"Legacy is made from arrogance."
••••
Aretis walked into the dining hall early, hoping to catch a glimpse of Xianlan as she knew that she would already be there by now. But upon looking in there were only a few people there and none of them was Xianlan. Slowly, Aretis walked to her table and she sat down glumly, plating the food onto her plate. The food that she would normally look forward to seemed to taste bland and heavy on her tongue. Even whilst eating, observing how more and more people pooled into the hall none of them was the brunette nor was there a sign of the albino heir of hers.
Gritting her teeth, Aretis forced herself to focus on her food and then left the plate for one of the servants to clean up before she walked into the hallways and navigated through the palace; in a few minutes she was in front of Xianlan's door. Knocking gently she called out to her friend… could she even call their relationship mere friendship?
Her knuckle hovered for a moment before Aretis knocked again, calling out a bit louder.
"Xianlan! If you're not getting up I will eat your share of breakfast!"
Again she was met with silence. Her ire grew, she disliked being ignored, she herself was someone of noble ranking too. Grabbing the handle roughly she pushed the door open with enough force that when it made contact with the wall behind it, a thundering echo followed. Followed by silence that rang loudly in her ears.
The room was empty.
She looked frantically around the room again, looking in the wardrobes and saw that it was also empty. None of her belongings were anywhere, but something was nagging at Aretis, in the back of her mind.
Why was I not informed?
Turning the room around and upturning everything in a fit of rage, smashing some vases and ripping up the bedding herself. Aretis stood up and took a breath, barely noticing the cuts on her hand and knuckles from where she also had punched the wall a few times, her screams of rage had brought the attention of no one as they were all having breakfast.
A gasp sounded from the door and Aretis whirled around, "My Lady, what—"
She did not give the maid time to finish.
Aretis turned and ran.
She ran to the stables and ordered for her best horse, and then she was out of the Palace's gates, chasing after the person who left without a word.
Many thoughts swirled around Aretis' head as she raced down the beaten down path. Her heart pounding in time with the beating of the hooves under her; loud like thunder. The wind threw Aretis' hair around, the slight sting of her eyes as she refused to blink for fear that the group would disappear in a blink if she were to close her eyes. She only began to breathe properly as the distance between them closed, much quick and much more obviously.
••••
Xianlan knew that it was rude of her to leave without notice, but with the threat of war hanging over her friend's head. She would surely need aid. This was said that she was willing to leave her home country for, although it would be extremely difficult for her parents and those around her to come to terms with. This meant that she had to do something outrageous, or something that was extremely taboo and that would mean her punishment would be exile.
Looking into the carriage where Kai sat, she met his gaze, steady and unseeing. She was looking at him, but not acknowledging him and over the years Kai had grown to despise that look on her face; he had no way of telling what his mother was thinking when she had that far-off gaze in her eyes.
The sun was painfully hot today, glaring down at the group and the uniform Xianlan was in, even if the fabric itself was light and breathable it still clung to her back as it progressively gathered more sweat from the sweltering heat. There was nothing wrong with the heat, it was the humidity that clung to them like webs, making the discomfort so much more unbearable.
There was a frantic call of her name that snapped her out of her reverie, but what grabbed her attention was not necessarily the calling of her name, it was the sound of pure unadulterated desperation; it made Xianlan think back to the time some of her men had fallen, calling out to her as she could only watch by helplessly.
Turning around she was horrified that it was Aretis', brow slick with sweat and a fully flushed face with wet eyes, it almost seemed as if she was crying. It made her stomach twist uncomfortably like a pit of snakes.
Something broke in Xianlan's heart seeing her dear friend like this, she tried to speak but could only numbly hand her a flask that contained lukewarm water; though this didn't seem to be a problem for Aretis as she downed the contents immediately after receiving the flask.
Slowly it seemed that Aretis came back to her senses, and flushed even further. Something Xianlan did not know was possible and gave her a small smile, "But, why are you here?"
"I-I… You left. Without e-even telling me! I got scare—"
Xianlan got off her horse and met Aretis halfway as the others stumbled heavily towards her.
Aretis all but collapsed into Xianlan's arms, and the latter felt her own heart shatter and then in its place guilt started to rise. It rose furiously like the sea, a raging tempest, rising and crashing against the confines of her heart bitter and angry. Punishing her for being so insensitive and so selfish.
"Shh… I am sorry. Apologies — for causing so much trouble," the words seemed like tar in her throat and it burned her to say these words. As hard as it was she pushed them out.
"But do not worry. I will meet you again in a few months."
"S-swear it."
"Pardon?"
The grip on her sleeves tightened drastically and Aretis looked into her eyes a burning flurry of emotions displayed within her eyes that Xianlan could not decipher, but it made her green eyes blaze. One thing that was quite obvious was the desperation that seemed to be etched into every muscle of her face.
"Swear it."
"Yes. I swear it."
The few months seemed to have blurred into one, and it was almost time again for the two to meet. Xianlan herself felt apprehensive because Aretis had been sending letters to her, quite often too. None of which Xianlan had opened, meaning that she had not responded to any of the letters. But their frequency didn't die down, in any case it became more insistent. Although there was a difference in the letters of whether detailing more national matters instead of personal ones, Xianlan only responded to the national ones and the other letters sat there and gathered dust, crinkling with time and yellowing at the edges.
Xianlan wished enough to open them, because she did not want to experience that hurt again, but she knew that she could not stay away from Aretis. No matter how much she tried, Xianlan would always let the other back in her heart.
Tomorrow was the day she had to travel to Myrrhine, something that made her heart crumple inwards and her intestines twist with anxiety. Bringing a hand up to her face, Xianlan frowned. Leading the head of her group, Kai was not to accompany her this time as it was to discuss official affairs. But as she entered through the palace gates, her heart thundered in her ears, and her hands became uncomfortable within the usual gloves that she wore when riding.
Xianlan's jaw tightened as she continued through the streets and saw the warm welcome from the other soldiers and servants of the palace. Such things were not uncommon, but it was one of utmost courtesy. Xianlan nodded at some of them, some of the faces she knew.
Diomedes.
Menoitus.
Leonides.
Xianlan can only hope that nothing was to happen to them, and that she can say that she knows them instead of knowing when all is finished in this. Shivers shot up her spine as the thoughts of a long distant battlefield slowly crept into her mind again; it wasn't something new. But it did make breathing difficult.
"My Lady," a young boy spoke to her from foot, she looked down, "I am the appointed servant. The one that tends to you."
Xianlan looked down at the young boy and smiled slightly, putting the young boy at ease.
"Name."
"Diogenes Aias, My Lady."
"Nice to meet you," she hopped down from her horse and took the reins as she started leading her horse to the stables before stopping.
"Diogenes," she winced slightly at her blatant accent, "Lead me to the stables."
"But, Madame! I-I can take your horse there for you!"
"I will accompany you."
"Ah— that. But, Lady Aretis had called for you."
"She can wait." was the disgruntled reply
••••
Xianlan did not immediately go to the hall for dinner, any conversation that she was to have with Aretis could wait. Not willing to be anywhere close to the other. However, her attendance was required, but she was not required to be nice nor was she required to be warm.
Xianlan got up out of the bath, and got dressed in her militant uniform. Looking in the mirror she really focused on her appearance for once; all she saw was a cold and bland looking woman with a haunted look in her eyes. There was nothing exceptional on her visage, nor was there anything else that made her stand out. Her eyes were a common brown.
"Diogenes, Lola!"
The two stumbled into the room, looking frazzled but excited at being called upon.
"Yes!" the two echoed.
"I-I… well, can you guys dress me up a bit?"
Lola and Diogenes looked at each other and smiled, and a deep sense of foreboding shot through Xianlan's heart.
"What?"
The two stalked towards Xianlan who had started to back away, she only let out a small yelp as the two basically pounced on her.
••••
Music was loud and soft sounding through the halls from the main dining hall, where many of the advisors had gathered, advisors that had served the previous Duke were seated on the long tables closer to Aretis; conversing animatedly, talking of the splendours of war if they were to participate. Aretis' smile was becoming more and more strained as the minutes trickled away, she stood to greet the Myrrhine guests, eyes prepared to scan the crowd for any sign of Xianlan.
Although this was not needed, because her eyes were immediately drawn to the figure at the front. Wearing a peplos that was native to Aretis' homeland, and her hair styled in a tight bun like that of the Efluanians; with some kohl lining her eyes, making Xianlan normally piercing gaze all the more lethal. Walking into the room, footsteps light and dainty, with the grace of a dancer but the muscle on the other's body with scars peeking from under the peplos and around her shoulders told another story.
Aretis' herself felt her mouth dry, and heat rushed through her body; watching, rendered speechless, only watching as Xianlan bowed and said her greetings, politely and civilly, no warmth or anything, Aretis' mind distantly registered. Through the haze of the heat in her body, she raised her goblet to them; they were seated further down the table — in the middle of the long table — toasting them and welcoming them to her Palace. The servants brought in plate after plate of food, and re-filled the empty goblets the moment they were empty, buzzing around the hall like bees, busy serving all the guests from neighbouring countries that had joined to help in the cause. Xianlan had come on her own accord, although it had been difficult when she had spoken to the Emperor, but he had relented when she had informed him of her status as Aretis' therapon. Something she had not wished to take advantage of because it had not been explicitly stated, but nonetheless used it because Xianlan knew she would go crazy with worry if anything were to happen on the battlefield. Xianlan had heard many rumours of Aretis being blessed by her gods, and rumours her father had descended from one of the gods had circulated. No matter how whimsical this rumour was, even Xianlan herself was not inclined to believe it, it was something that she did not question because there was an unnatural element to Aretis. From the way she talked, her way of carrying herself, there was always something out of this world for her that Xianlan could see in no one else.
Or maybe that is your own bias speaking—
Xianlan reached for her goblet, the wine was sweet and dry on her tongue, and soon she got used to the sensation that was different to the alcohol of her homeland which burnt the throat as one drank it and made the one flush immediately. But, this one had a slower effect, letting the other savour it slowly.
Although now her goblet was empty, before she could ask for a refill Diogenes was already on it, standing slightly bent over her shoulder and pouring the wine into her goblet. However, from further up the table the angle seemed promiscuous and secretive given how close Diogenes was standing to Xianlan it seemed as if the former was kissing the latter.
Aretis gripped her goblet tightly in her hand, veins becoming more visible as the goblet's shape slightly warped.
••••
Someone knocked on Xianlan's door, seemingly quite urgent so she hurried to the door before listening to it, trying to hear if there was any suspicious rustling. But there wasn't any so Xianlan called out, her other hand already reaching for her sword.
"It's me."
Xianlan felt as if the air had been punched from her lungs, gingerly her hand rested on the handle, opening it.
"May I come in?"
"It's your palace."
Aretis levelled an unimpressed glare at Xianlan who almost smiled. Before her face quickly fell again.
"My Lady, is there something wrong—"
Xianlan could speak no more as her lips were smothered. Xianlan's hands moved on its own accord, one of them gently wrapping around the back of Aretis' neck and the other resting gently on her waist, pulling her in. Aretis tilted her head up slightly, and she could distinctly taste the wine from dinner on Xianlan's lips, but it had seemed all the most sweeter like this.
When the two finally pulled away, their breaths slightly heavy with a hungry gaze in both their eyes. A deep desire that filled the air of the room, Xianlan broke the gaze first, turning her head away.
"I am sorry. I don't—"
"Do you regret it?"
Xianlan's heart almost broke, shakily breathing in, "No. Did you?"
"Neither did I."
Aretis brought Xianlan into her embrace, arms strong and tight around her, Xianlan gladly returned the sentiment. They savoured the moment until Aretis shoved Xianlan back onto the bed, before clambering up on her and the two wrestled for a bit before it ended with Xianlan still pinned underneath Aretis. There was something distracting with the scent of Aretis all around her that seemed to have stolen coherent thoughts, with her unrelenting weight above Xianlan she was in a daze as she stared up at Aretis.
"I… I will announce you as my therapon tomorrow."
Xianlan's heart leaped, and started pounding, she turned her head. Futile as the action was, she was rewarded with a warm, and tearful chuckle from the lady herself.
"Are you sure?"
"Definitely."
"A servant in the simplest sense. Although above a mere servant, you assist me in battle. In all matters."
"So, when I die, you get another?"
Xianlan looked at the other with slight distrust, she would not believe the simplicity of it. It must have had something of great importance in Myrrhinian culture otherwise she wouldn't have been searching for her therapon before coming to Efluania; before Xianlan could continue to question Aretis on her role by her side, she was not allowed to think anymore as her lips were again captured, and all coherent thought melted away. Only thought of the body on top of her, and kisses they shared. Mouths hot against one another.
Xianlan let out a moan when Aretis pressed her mouth against the pulse of her neck, and delightful shivers shot up her spine.
The two separated for a brief moment, breaths heavy.
••••
Xianlan woke with a start, feeling well-rested and deeply satisfied. Although she was not sure whether it was because she had finally relaxed completely in the night or was it because she had a night's sleep without nightmares nor the damning sensations of the battlefield and mud.
She stared up at the ceiling for a while, enjoying the silence of the morning accompanied by the distant cries of the seagulls, and the distant lull of the sea crashing against the shores. Distantly too, she could hear the beginning of the business of the servants; she turned over and looked at Aretis who was snuggled in her arms, looking at ease and so much more younger and breathtaking that when she was awake, her beauty when asleep was unrivalled. Something that Xianlan would have been jealous of if she wasn't so in love with the face in front of her.
Love. An intense feeling of deep affection. Although Xianlan did not wish for her to only feel such lust for her. Cold dread creeped into her heart and all of a sudden she felt cold; she paused for a moment, there was really no point in thinking like this, bodily urges were a natural thing that came with an affection for one's partner. Chuckling silently to herself, Xianlan gently brushed her fingers over Aretis' face, almost as if she was trying to commit each and every little detail to memory. As if she was searing the terrain of the other's skin into her fingertips so that she could be reminded of it whenever she dragged her fingertips along a surface. Her skin was petal soft, and it seemed as if anything could mar it; something that Xianlan would never allow. Aretis' skin was pale, like marble and it made Xianlan's urge to protect it all that stronger.
Xianlan would soon have to get up and write a letter to her mother and inform her of her stay so far, and then in the later days as the preparations continued she would have to tell her everything that was happening within Myrrhine. This was the only thing that her mother had asked of her, and who was she to deny such a simple request?
A rueful smile popped up onto Xianlan's face as she slipped out of the bed gently and replaced her absence with a pillow; putting on a linen shirt with some loose trousers she gently seated herself at the small desk in the corner that, luckily, had a quill and some ink. Gently, she set down her bag and pulled out some parchment and began writing.
It had only been a little while of writing, Xianlan was only on her second page, as Aretis woke up, stretching and yawning like a big cat. It was endearing to Xianlan, seeing such a carefree groan from Aretis. Until her eyes widened, looking to her side to only see a pillow, and Xianlan almost thought as if she would scream from the look of fear and pain in her eyes until she looked into her own, who in turn gave her a cheeky smile.
Aretis hurriedly got out of bed and jumped into Xianlan's embrace who happily caught her with a laugh spilling out into the quietness of the room and disturbing the ambience of the morning.
It was these mornings that Xianlan could really not do without for the rest of her life.
Something about the ease and comfort that had come in the morning made Xianlan's embrace tighten around Aretis. Feeling as if she didn't hold on tight enough that something bad might just happen, as if something was telling her that if she were not to hold on tight then there would be no gaining Aretis back. Xianlan buried her face in Aretis' as she listened, not really hearing the words as Aretis talked of her activities and meetings that she was to attend today, the dull topics that Xianlan had all heard before.
"Would you accompany me?"
"I would be of no use."
"Yes, you would. You're my therapon."
"Okay? What does that mean?"
Aretis rolled her eyes and huffed, "It would mean that your opinion would be always taken into consideration. And if there is any urgent business that needs an opinion or a course of action and I am not there, they are to report to you."
"Oh. These customs are interesting and heavily based on emotions and oaths."
"So, heavy emphasis on the emotional bonds?"
"Words that are spoken here are weaved with magic."
"Oh. That makes more sense."
The two stayed like that for another while until there was a knock at the door, breaking the silence of their morning.
"My lady, you have a meeting in an hour with your advisors, and there will be the other ministers that have also asked to have an audience with you. Will you accept or refuse them?"
Aretis sighed, opening her mouth to speak, when fingers were shoved down her throat, and she made a quiet gagging sound.
"Go write it down, then we will take a look at it later."
"Alright."
Xianlan listened until the footsteps completely faded away before turning her attention back towards Aretis who still had her fingers in her mouth, with a hefty blush on her face as she kept her mouth open. But Xianlan was having none of it and adjusted her grip on the other's jaw and brought her close again. Jerking Aretis' head to the side, Xianlan kissed down her throat, gently nipping here and there. Kissing the collar bones, and the shoulders going back and kissing her lips again, this time more slower, and much gentler.
Maybe things would end better this way.
Xianlan entered the room, her stomach writhing and the nervousness was again seizing her by the throat. Something that she really despised, it reminded her of her plainness, how ordinary she was. A soldier she was, marred and tainted by the memories of blood and gore. Now to be introduced as the therapon of the Duchess Atalante.
I was almost going to barf, and the mental image of her advisors pulling an affronted face at my behaviour was enough to push down the rising nausea in me. Aretis was in front of me, her strides confident and sure; she has a stability to her that made me envy her. Aretis' every action seemed to be planned and measured, so decisive and assured, it made many willing to follow her. Me included. I also yearn for the moments when her mask did not conceal what she felt in her heart; and in those moments I knew that that was the woman I love. Not what the people expect her to be, nor what she wants them to perceive her to be.
This was for the sole selfish reason that I only want to see Aretis as just that. I just want to see Aretis as what she is, as she was given to this realm by her Gods and nothing more than that; taking me back to a time where we had once less things to worry about, not with the talks of war over our heads like death's shadow.
The heat was not as stifling today I noted, it had a strong breeze among it. Walking through the halls, lagging slightly behind Aretis as I was starting to lose myself in my thoughts again.
Aretis turned back and looked at me, I caught her gaze.
Then she smiled, something so beautiful and charming, with her eyes closed; I was sure at that moment that I would do anything to protect her. Her smile, laughs, anything. I knew that I would stay with her for as long as she wanted, and leave quietly if my presence caused her even the most minor discomfort. I smiled back, something small as I knew I would look like a fool; through my smile I watched her with a heavy heart too, because in the recess of my mind, I knew that she would one day die. From what she had told me about what the priests had told her. That she was to lead them to victory, but the moment Astraia Priam was to be slain. The very thought of her leaving this realm, and me alone, wounded me.
Quickly I rearranged my expression as we neared the hall's door, even through the thick timber I could hear the rambunctious laughter, and the loud, bellowing voices of generals and other soldiers of slightly higher ranks. It was a blur of noise, something that I heavily disliked. Yet, I stood slightly behind her, hoping to her Gods that she would not look my way.
"Xianlan?"
I closed my eyes and with a whispered curse I turned and faced her, "Nothing."
She squeezed my hands and there was nothing else to say.
I watched as she threw the doors open and walked to her seat at the front where her father sat at the head of the main table, and Aretis seated herself to the left of him, her mother was already seated and to the right.
Flushing slightly, I walked to the left end of the hall, nearing the edge where I settled myself in quietly; thanking the soldier that shifted slightly so that I could have a seat. I watched the food in front of me, and ignored the loud roars of the people around me whenever her father spoke; he spoke of the honour, the glory, fame and the money that was to be gained from participating in this war. It differed from my own country, but I suppose that was to be expected as we were much more well-off than Myrrhine, although I could not fault some of their scholars as watching them debate was a pastime that I greatly enjoyed.
As I was pathetically picking at my food, zoning out and had retreated into my thoughts.
I cared nought for their battle plans, I only offer my services to Aretis', not anyone can order me. No one but the one I gave my heart to, or my family.
A hand rested on my shoulder gently and I flinched slightly.
"If you stare at that piece of bread anymore I fear that it will turn to crisp."
I looked to my side and saw a young man, someone I would guess around the same age as me, "Then can I have yours?"
The young man chuckled, deep and throaty, "Sure. If I get to know the reason behind that gaze."
"Just natural worry."
"Ah," the young man smiled again, "Of your friend, Lady Atalante? I am assuming."
"Well, you assume correctly."
"I have never heard a girl speak like you—"
"Before we continue this conversation. I would like to know your name."
"Kratos Stavros."
"Xianlan Wuzung."
"Efluainian?"
I watched as Kratos let out a low whistle, eyes gazing at me with a look of deep interest as if I was a thing to be studied further. He leaned towards me a bit more, an earnest gaze in his eyes, and then I felt a heavy gaze on me. Carefully, I tilted myself back and I looked around the hall, and I saw no one looking at me; then I directed my gaze to the main table.
My gaze clashed with Aretis' and I immediately looked away and down at my food. Quickly I stuffed the piece of bread down my throat, choking as I did so. I could hear Kratos laughing directly at me and I didn't know whether to feel offended or not, grabbing his goblet I downed its content. Hacking a few more times before finally calming down until I realised that the hall was silent, I would be sure that if a pin had dropped we could all hear the echo.
What was even worse was that they were all staring at me, some in confusion, some in curiosity, and some with badly contained malice.
The first two I understood, I am a stranger in Myrrhine and they didn't really have any links to us, but the malice I did not understand until I looked at the head table again. Aretis had a triumphant smile on her face, a sly glint in her eye; something that I knew was trouble as it had got us into trouble many times before.
"You're Lady Atalante's therapon?" came the incredulous question.
"What?"
"The Lady of the House just announced it—"
"Lady Wuzung, please, come and sit with us."
Aretis' voice was clear and crisp, echoing slightly around the hall. It was still shockingly quiet, there were no murmurs, and all I felt were the stares on my back. I glared at Aretis slightly, and it was responded to by a close-eyed smile and I was wary again, feeling almost as if this did not bode well for me. Nonetheless, I got up from my seat, swiftly and smoothly; it was times like this that I was grateful for undergoing the strictness of etiquette with my mother. I rose and walked to the head table and I stood slightly behind Aretis' seat, and I bowed, hand over my heart.
"It is the highest honour you have given to me."
I ignored the pleased chuckles from her father and focused on the space in front of me, which conveniently sat a huge man with a large frown on his face as he regarded me. A small sneer playing on his face as he looked me up and down, I let no emotions show and looked him up and down too; then I looked into his eyes, and stared. We had a moment before he looked up, raised his goblet and took a swig. Only then did I look away, into my goblet and admired the carvings of the goblet until a soft touch was on my ankle. I looked to my left slightly, Aretis' left foot was touching mine.
She smiled at me, and I nodded in response. I didn't want to overstep my boundaries at the table, so I had to be careful about my conduct here at the table. This was not where I would normally be – more often than not that I would not give much thought to my actions or reputation, but now there is not only mine on the line but also Aretis' and her parents would be furious if I were to bring shame upon their daughter.
I ate the food slowly, listening to the conversation that was going on. They were talking of strategies and I knew that I was being consciously excluded. Not that I'd really want to participate with this – normally within times of war, I would be there to poke loopholes within the strategies that have already been devised. Then I would be the one leading the charges and diving into the heat of the battle. I continued thinking, and eating quietly to myself.
A fig was placed next to me. I looked down and nodded my thanks before pushing it back to her and shaking my head.
The burly man in front of me who had been an avid participant in the conversation scoffed at us.
"What? Can't she feed herself-"
"Shut your mouth. I will be fighting in this war with you whether you like it or not. Shut your mouth or I will cut your tongue out."
He proceeded to roar at me, his anger palpable and rolling off him in waves, "Don't start. I do not need to participate in this war. I am on the same footing with your Duchess. By my birthright, I am a Duchess too. You're not even granted attendance with me unless I have agreed. My rank and work also proceed me. Don't be daft."
I watched him whirl around and look at the others down the table, trying to see if anyone would back him up. And there was, though I was quite happy there was. I was bored, he can insult me, but he was insulting the choice Aretis made in choosing me.
And that made my blood boil.
"Say, how about we do it this way?"
"Do what?"
"A duel, as you guys are fond of. First blood. And I shall show my worth to you."
"Why prove it to me-"
"So you can shut up. Otherwise I will cut out your tongue."
He glared at me and if looks could kill I would be dead, "You say that. But I doubt you've ever done that before."
I laughed, a full belting laughter and I continued laughing until my sides hurt, my fist banging on the table.
"You're a mockery."
He froze.
"It was the one that was given the name Executioner on the battlefield. You all heard of that. You guys had fought with us. Some of those people," I pointed down the table, "Were there. They saw first-hand how cruel I can be."
I watched his expression change from anger to shock. It was quite amusing, something that I relished greatly in.
"Xianlan. WuZung-"
I turned to Aretis, smiling with all teeth, "He finally caught on," another lengthy pause of silence, "So about that duel? Before that, what is your name?"
"Laocoön Anakletos."
"You'd do well to listen more often than not."
Another voice interjected between us, "We should continue in one of the other rooms, and let the others here return to their duties."
We walked out in silence. I could not help but feel as if I was wronged somehow – had a mild feeling that I had managed to drastically annoy Aretis. We only continued walking in silence before I had enough and decided to speak.
"Was there something wrong in what I did?"
"..."
I was graced with silence, but from the tenseness in her shoulder it is most likely that my conduct pissed her off. Normally, I would never be that defensive or snappy, but I did not like his attitude one bit.
Sighing, I walked the other way from her and headed to the training grounds, I did not have the energy to care for a scolding or anything of the sort. The heat was thick and slightly humid, it clung to the skin like an irritating blanket, and I was struck with a strong feeling of homesickness. It was irresponsible of me to leave all the things back home and come to a new place. Regret shot through me – I was walking, wandering until I had stopped in front of the stables.