Eloise looks at the horizon with a serious face. I am quite anxious about going to the this so-called City of Democracy, being that all my life i've only heard of the social climbing of kingdoms. Only one that shall rule them all.
But this city is rather surprising, for them to able to trust someone and to vote them to lead is somewhat incredible. Though, it's all according to Eloise. What will be the my view to that city, is somewhat going to be a new experience.
***
"Aunt Eloise..? May i ask you for a moment?"
"Sure, what is it Valentin?"
"During the days of your adventures... what kind of a woman is my mother?"
Ah... from my reluctances to visit the past, there's bound for someone to ask. It was my friend's son..
"Your mother was a great swordsman, she whom defeated the orc king with her swordmanship."
Yes.. she was a great swordsman, she was the one who teached me the ways of how to use and to fight. If we didn't met on that day, my life in this world would've probably be a messy one.
"But why does mother disappeared all of a sudden?"
When Valentin was young, it was the midst of a civil war. It was the downfall for the all of us, our mistake was trusting Beau with all of our lives.
"She perished like a warrior would in the fight Valentin.."
"I see.. i wished i could've atleast talked to her."
Valentin was a mere baby at that time, it's hard living without a mother figure in life. But i'm glad that my friend nurtured Valentin to a fine young lad..
Valentin went back on the wheels of the ship, as i am left sitting at the barrel contemplating.. Catalina. Goddamit Catalina, why would you ever sacrifice your life?
***
I could sense distraught to Eloise, a sad aura surrounds her like a leech. I've made my choice for me as Eloise's emotional punching bag, this is the only way i could help her atleast for now.
As i approach her, i could see tears drop from her eyes.
"Eloise..."
"Oh.. i'm sorry Celestina. What may be your concern?"
"I've told you a dozen times. You could vent to me."
She avoided eye contact.
"I'm just really not able to relive the past you know? I am a emotional person. Reliving the worst moments of my life is hard.."
Without hesitation, i embraced her.
***
Wha-?
No-
Wait-
What is this i feel? warmth? care? long since i've felt it, but somehow her embrace. Our bodies together, it feels comforting. I'm embarassed to display this to Celestina.
But my mind is telling me to give in.. embrace her well, and so i did..
What i'm feeling is somewhat an ecstacy, her warmth and her scent made me imagine as if i am in paradise.
"It's hard to move on..."
I could finally uttered a word.. Celestina looked at me with a bright smile in her face, a smile that's reassuring.
"I know it's hard to move on from the past, those were the moments that are ingrained within your mind, but it is okay to let go too."
She carassed my head..
"We are not perfect Eloise.. though i am not there to witness it, i'm sure that they'll reassure you that it wasn't your fault."
Will they...?
What if they do say it was mine?
***
Eloise is slowly drifting off to sleep, i slowly carry her as i put her head to my lap. As her eyes finally closed, i kissed her forehead for reassurance.
"I'll be always by your side."
I simply smile by looking at the sight of Eloise. Her survivor's guilt is creeping into her like a bug that can't be removed unless it's exterminated fully.
I can be the exterminator, but even i.. don't know how..
[Noon]
As the sun fully sets, distant light shines bright through the horizon. It the city Eloise was talking about.
"I welcome you to the city of democracy.. Libertè."
It's quite a city.. it's full of colors that i never knew could be implemented to structures. It is out of this world rather.. blue and pink colors that collide with the brightness of the golden sky, and the structures that's built within from another.
***
I could feel someone softly slapping my cheeks, as i opened my eyes i looked upon Celestina with a bright smile..
I immediately stand up, as i knew where i am positioned in.
"We're here Eloise."
As i looked from my behind, i am greeted with the neon colors of this city at night. It's cute nostalgic to look at...
From the scent of the food to the smell of smokes from the factories.. It truly feels like i am home.
"As you step outside of the ship. You're now in Libertè!"
I wrapped my hands around Celestina, as we slowly descend from the stairs. As our foot steps on the concrete docks, we've finally entered Libertè.
"Farewell Aunt Eloise!"
I bid my farewell to Valentin with a big smile and a gift that he would cherish for life.. Catalina's woven scarf.
I'm glad that i knew a magic to store our items in...
***
Eloise leaded the way as she holds my hands tightly. Somehow i feel like we're in a date once again..
We arrived at which we're warmly greeted..
We're at back at the same environment once more.
"Tomorrow, we shall go to the guild to apply."
"What do you mean Eloise?"
"I shall revoke my retirement.. we'll start a clean slate here Celestina. Until i could help you with your situation."
Ah yes.. with these things in my mind, i almost forgot the reason why i an ousted and banished out of my realm. There still lies the danger from within, eapecially the new appointed ruler.
But am i worthy to rule them? I've been banished once, what if they did it again? right now, i do not know where to enter in the elves' realm. Perhaps becoming an adventurer would give us an advantage and clue to come back...
-TO BE CONTINUED-