Vivian and Crystal retired for the night, leaving Gerald and his wife to usher out the remaining knights and clean the bar.
Their room was a stark contrast to the rest of the inn. While the other rooms were dimly lit and furnished with worn wooden furniture, theirs was spacious and bathed in soft candlelight. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of knights and dragons, and the bed was draped in rich velvet curtains. A small fireplace crackled in the corner, casting dancing shadows on the ornate ceiling.
"Wow... who would have thought this place could be so lovely?" Crystal exclaimed, throwing herself onto the bed.
The smell of cedar wood and the fireplace was heavenly. Vivian inhaled deeply as she entered the room, some of the tension held in her shoulders releasing.As they prepared for bed, the two women began discussing their plans.
"Maybe you could work here in exchange for lodging," Vivian suggested, turning to her friend.
"Honestly, Vivi, I don't think I'll stay here too much longer," Crystal replied, plopping down on the plush bed and drawing the covers back.
"Huh?" Vivian asked, her brows furrowed in confusion.
"I've been thinking..." Crystal sighed. "If you join the military, what will I do? I can't leave you out there alone."
Vivian's eyes widened. "You're not joining the military for my sake!"
Crystal chuckled softly and shook her head. "No, I'm not."
Vivian released a breath she didn't realize she was holding.
"I'm joining the medical team instead!" Crystal announced.
"You can't do that either!" Vivian exclaimed.
"And why not?" Crystal asked.
"It's not safe! The medical team can end up in the same danger as the soldiers!"
"Vivian, are you really in a position to lecture me about safety?" Crystal retorted.
Vivian clamped her mouth shut.
"Plus, I've always wanted to do something more with myself than being a maid. This gives me the opportunity to do that!"
Vivian didn't look fully convinced, so Crystal continued. "And what if you get hurt? Who will treat you? Do you really believe someone won't reveal your secret?"
Vivian wrung her fingers together. She knew that was the truth, but she still didn't want to push her friend into danger.
"Vivi, no offense, but we're the same age. We're both fully grown and capable of making our own decisions. Had I not wanted to leave the estate, I wouldn't have. And had I decided to turn around after you revealed your plans, I would have. I'm making this decision for myself as much as I am for you," Crystal said, running a hand through her hair. "And I'm sure I've told you this before, but my mother was actually a nurse. Doing this somehow makes me feel closer to her."
It made sense. And Vivian couldn't argue knowing this was something close to her friends heart.
"Okay... but take care of yourself. I won't be there to keep you out of trouble all the time."
Crystal laughed then tucked herself into bed. "I think you forgot sometimes which one of us can be more troublesome."
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Crystal eventually fell into a deep sleep, but Vivian lay awake most of the night. So many plans, so many ideas ran through her mind that she couldn't help but evade sleep.
She rolled over in bed silently praying to the goddess for guidance on her journey. She prayed for strength, for her friends' safety, and most importantly a path to her heart's desires.
"I know they say you only grant the wishes of soldiers, but the rest of us need your help too." she murmured to the ceiling.
With that, she was whisked away to a restless sleep.