Waking up in a room bothered me. The wild world, open and free, was what I had known for home for the last five years since escaping the Desert Order. A window was the only freedom I had, but even then, the well-kept natural stone walls, floor and ceiling hardly made me feel comfortable. A slight earthy smell permeated the air around me, almost making me feel at home when I closed my eyes. The bed made of many layers of hay was atop of a makeshift wooden frame. The small wooden table next to my bed was bare, wooden chair and round table next to the window was all that furnished the room and all had a thin layer of dust coating the surfaces. In the middle of the table was a candle for me to utilize. Even though to most this would be a castle of shelter and safety, I felt trapped.
Hair grazed my shoulders, I felt knots as I finger brushed it out the best I could. The dirt on my skin showed the hardships of yesterday even after trying to wash off what I could. My eyes watered as I yawned, stretching to wake up my sleep logged muscles.
Thor's injuries were not terribly severe, but they could have been far worse. I never stopped to save anyone before. Running was always safer because my life was in danger every moment I stood still. Desmond wanted to find me, his hunters had made that clear. I had killed more than enough of them, but I knew he would just find more. The memories of the Desert Order were bleak ones that I tried my hardest to forget. However, trying to forget often did the opposite. Those moments made the memories bubble up to the surface until they overflowed.
Shaking my head, I stared out of the window to the life below me. This Order was different. Eagle Point Order didn't run on fear and death. Life was in every soul as children played in the market with the adults laughing and trading freely. The many levels of this fortress were impressive on the outside looking in, but inside looking out was just as magnificent. Thick layered clouds blew by in the sky as the wind seemed resilient. Of course, no patches of sunlight came through, and yet the sky was bright in the grey of clouds above. Endless hills of green and farmland were ahead of me where I met that massive creature that nearly scared me to death. Milking cows were a new experience, but I supposed there would be a few of those here. Every inch of green and forest beyond allowed me to be lost in a moment of peace. Only a moment.
I saw a figure below me, waving obnoxiously. Thor was there. His injured arm was now bandaged and, in a sling, while his other arm flung wildly until I lifted my hand in acknowledgement. His dark brown hair was wet and combed back loose to settle below his chin to his lower neck. Blue eyes shone brightly as if he hadn't lost any sleep over that injury. The scar would leave a blemish on his olive tan skin, but he struck me as the guy who would be too stubborn to die.
"Hey, Milana, sleep well?" he yelled.
He was chipper for it being early morning. Rolling my eyes, I was already wishing I had left him to bleed out in the forest yesterday when he was attacked. Guess it's time. Moving to the heavy wooden door with iron hinges, I gave a sigh before the loud creak resounded, announcing my presence in the hallway.
Closing it as quietly as I could and miserably failing, I saw the torches throughout the hall to light the way in the otherwise very dark stone wall halls. They were plenty wide, able to fit three grown men shoulder to shoulder across. Not many passed by me, but every one of them met my gaze for only a moment before looking away. However, it wasn't unpleasant, just seemed like a courtesy somehow. I supposed it was better than staring at me like a monster.
The system of halls was simple enough, I found my way outside following the slew of voices so foreign to me. The stone and metal forged into the earth smelled of the nature. Although slightly musky, this scent was far from unpleasant as the air seemed to circulate nicely here. The quiet forests were more my home than this market of people. Thor smiled brightly as he bounded up to me. Stopping in front of me, he eyed me for a moment before speaking.
"I was hoping you'd find your way out here. Not too bad, wild girl." A small blush crossed his face when he said that, and I raised an eyebrow.
"Navigating forests was harder than that, plus it's hard to ignore the noise," I said.
As I tilted my chin to the group of people before turning back to him, I noticed he had a confused look on his face before smiling with a chuckle.
"This noise is nothing. It's quiet now, just wait until midday. This place comes alive and there's noise everywhere," Thor said.
Concern grew in my eyes as I looked around him one more time. If this was quiet, then I was never going to get used to this. Children laughed as they chased each other around us, trying to sneak a glance at me. The sneaking part was what was falling short. The glancing was a lot more like staring. He was no doubt entertained by my discomfort with that cocky smile I wish I could punch off his face. That would make a lasting impression.
"I'm already slightly regretting staying here." I said crossing my arms.
"Now, now, Milana. Just relax and enjoy yourself. I'll show you what you need to know for day to day living. Come on." Thor waved me to keep up with him.
Many people were out in the market already. Different ages laughing, bartering, and conversing about family, the weather, and different wares of each stand. Looking through the market, there was much variety. Food, jewelry, fabrics, and even some hardware. Weapons were not in plain sight, I had to look beyond the peddlers. Weapons were not what they used to be before the Calamity. Simple knives, swords, chains, maces, and some mixtures thereof are what we had now. I preferred dual short swords, and if I had my choice, a polearm.
Eyes were on me. Glancing around, I looked up to find a man at a large balcony and saw the platinum blonde hair of Lyron. Meeting Lyron yesterday evening was brief, but his demeanor was different there on the balcony. His long light hair was braided back made him seem regal. I could remember the light amber of his eyes. His tan skin was illuminated further by the light color of his hair. The scar on his cheek was not visible from here, but I could only imagine the story behind it. Up on the balcony, he was a hawk and I was just a mouse in a field.
Nodding his head at me, I nodded back before reverting my eyes back to Thor's explanation of the market area. Clothes, food, some jewelry, and small weapons. The fresh air was clear here and not dimmed by the smell of earth. The wind gusts made sure nothing was stagnant here, and the activity showed even more for it. Most were trades, but since I had nothing to trade with Thor just said the word and I was supplied with basic needs items. However, the burning of eyes on me never left.
"What exactly will I trade with in the future? Doesn't make sense to rely on handouts," I snapped at Thor. Frustrated with the idea of being constantly dependent on anyone. I could see his eyebrows raise in response. Was it not thought of until now?
His cheeks flushed as he cleared his throat and brought his voice down to almost a whisper. "Well, uh, that would be up to you I suppose. Lyron will see you tomorrow about his research and what he needs help with, but I couldn't say what you can trade with for here. The one thing we don't trade with is bodies. No slaves, no babies, no sexual encounters for items. Lyron has killed over this, so don't recommend mentioning it."
"Excuse me? What in the hell made you think I was going to trade that? I meant is there a trade you need my help in." My body was flushed with color. I could feel the embarrassment and revolting thought in every pore of by being.
Pursing his lips together, he stood straight and nodded a few times before looking around, a smile coming to his face. "Take your pick, wild girl."
"Why do you call me that? I get I live as a Wild, but I do have a name. I've heard you use it once or twice. I like being free, is that so bad?" Throwing my hands up, I gestured around me. A few eyes lingered on us as my voice rose in volume.
"It suits you, and no. Most people can't have that much freedom without being driven insane. Let's continue." Thor was very easy going with his words. Unlike me he was used to society, and I dreaded it. One of the many reasons I avoided it was the reliance of its support once one lived there.