My parents were set to leave for a three day trip but the exact date for departure was unknown and It was Lauretta's offer that saved me from solitude. I decided to spend those days at her place, and Lily, my ever-present handmaiden , would accompany me.
I woke up the next morning to an empty house, a fact that was driven home by a letter my parents(mother)had left behind. It read, "We're sorry we left unannounced, something came up needing our urgent care. Make sure to keep training ."I sighed
After breakfast, I returned to my room, my footsteps echoing in the quiet halls. To my surprise, my bag was already packed, and my clothes were neatly laid out on a chair by the window. Lily had done it for me, as she often did. She was two years older than me, and though she served as my handmaiden, she was more like an older sister. I often hesitated to ask too much of her, but she insisted on ensuring my comfort.
But today, I had a different plan in mind, one that didn't involve Lily accompanying me. As I dressed, I realized that she had packed her own bag and was waiting for me. I was about to protest when she explained that my parents had insisted she go with me, wherever I went.
They knew I would do to Lauretta place and my mother was never fond of her family.After some back and forth, I relented. Lily was my constant companion, and I had grown used to her presence.
We arrived at Lauretta's house and, for the first day, decided to simply rest. The sprawling garden beckoned, and we picked fresh fruits to snack on. Together, we baked a delicious pie, filling the kitchen with the scent of warm pastry and sweet fruit. The day ended with a refreshing swim in the clear lake behind Lauretta's house.
As night descended, I retired to the room assigned to me, and Lily to hers. I lay in bed, the events of the day replaying in my mind.
The following morning, I woke up later than usual, a testament to the fun we had the previous day. I was glad mostly for the fact that I slept through the night
The sun was already high in the sky, and I knew Lauretta would be training. A hearty breakfast, was delivered by Lily, awaited me, along with a neatly arranged set of clothes.
After a quick shower and dressing, I headed down to the training ground. The sun bathed the courtyard in a warm, golden glow, and I could hear the clang of Lauretta's practice sword as she sparred with her grandmaster.
However, on approaching her it seemed she was done for the day.She was an excellent fighter with her long brown hair and striking brown eyes, and it seemed she had already poured all her energy into her morning routine.
"I'm done training for today," she informed me, wiping sweat from her brow. "You can keep practicing on your own ."
I had always trained with someone by my side, and the prospect of training alone felt foreign."You know I don't train alone " I replied, trying to hide my disappointment but she gave me a shrugged
My eyes still focused on the training mat. "Wake me up at the same time you wake up. I tend to lose track of time."
Night time came and again I was awoken by that dream but this time felt different.There wasn't much blood shed but those eyes were all around me
I felt Lily tap me awake and I knew I was yelling again,I couldn't go back to bed so I got ready for training .
I knew for a fact that Lauretta had something up her sleeve,she didn't want me training.This wasn't the first time she had done this.She did this a lot growing up
Making up excuses for not wanting to wake me up
'I thought you were tired' 'I did wake you and I got no reply'
I dashed out of my room and met her in the training area, surprising her with my presence.
"You're awake," she exclaimed, clearly taken aback. "I forgot to wake you."
I didn't bother to reply and walked towards the mat
We began our training, and Lauretta's energy was infectious. She moved with incredible speed, slicing through the air and executing precise kicks and pounces.
As we finally stopped to catch our breath, Lily couldn't help but ask, "Lady Elara , have you noticed anything different in your training?"
I thought for a moment before answering, "I don't think so,are you noticing anything different?"
The Look in her eyes seemed like she was contemplating if to tell me or not "It just really seems,You and Lady Lauretta had a fight and are taking it out on the mat"
It was true that our training had taken on a competitive edge.We had both been pushing ourselves but there was truth in what she said
Lauretta was taking things a little too far but I gave her the benefit of doubt
It was my last day at Lauretta's resident and Lily kept hinting on the fact that I did something to get Lauretta upset,i didn't want to have an issue with Lauretta in her own home so I told lily to drop it
Dain, came to visit as He watched us train, his expression thoughtful,
and then asked if Lauretta and I had a fight.
I told him everything that had been happening and he didn't say a word.It was honestly more of my fault, I knew the type of person she was but still kept her around
Dain apologized on her behalf like he's been doing since we were kids,.I don't know why he stuck with us because Dain has quite a lot of friends and it was easier for him to have friends
Maybe he was here for me because he knew Lauretta better than I do and is here to protect me.That was what I always tell myself