The news of Kazi's return spread like wildfire through Niameda. Yet, the joyous homecoming everyone anticipated was met with silence. Kazi, once a blazing flame, appeared to have darkened. Her father, Governor Nari, observed the shift right away. Her typically strong and confident demeanour had given way to a quiet sadness. He wondered if it was the weight of the investigation or something deeper.
Meals were calm occasions, interrupted only by the clinking of cutlery.
"Kazi, my dear," Governor Nari finally broke the silence as they sat down for dinner. "You seem... different. Is something the matter?" His eyes darted back and forth between Kazi and her other sisters.
Kazi forced a smile, the gesture strained and unconvincing. "Just a little tired, Father," she replied, picking at her plate.
Her sisters, tried their best to engage her in conversation, asking about her journey, the food, the people she met, but she remained distant, her gaze lost in thought.
"Kazi, my dear," Governor Nari repeated, his voice heavy with concern. "Perhaps you should take some time off. Perhaps a trip to the countryside, to clear your head and restore your spirits. You have been working tirelessly, and I can see it is taking its toll."
"I am quite tired, Father," Kazi admitted with a sigh. "But I am afraid I cannot just take time off. There are things I need to do." She paused, wrestling with her words. "Things I must do."
"Kaz-," Adanna, her sister, began, her voice laced with concern. But before she could finish, Kazi cut her off.
"If I cannot eat my food in peace, I shall excuse myself," Kazi said, rising from her seat. Her sisters exchanged worried glances as she left the dining hall.
Even the maids, used to Kazi's sly remarks and loud laughter, tiptoed around her, unsure of how to interact with their commander's newfound silence
The soldiers she led, a group once buzzing with lively banter around her, now greeted her with hesitant salutes and worried glances. Even the maids, used to Kazi's sly remarks and loud laughter, tiptoed around her, unsure of how to interact with their commander's newfound silence.
One sunny afternoon, Ren, his heart heavy with concern, approached Kazi as she stood stiffly in front of the army who were practising their drills. He cleared his throat, drawing her attention away from her troubled thoughts. "Kazi," he said softly. "May I speak with you?"
Kazi turned; her eyes devoid of their usual spark. "Of course, Ren," she replied, her voice flat.
Ren hesitated for a moment, then suggested, "Perhaps... a walk through the marketplace might lift your spirits?"
Kazi considered this for a moment, then offered a small, sad smile. "Maybe. It has been a while since I have been there."
They went into the heart of Niameda, but the brilliant colours and energetic bartering did little to lift Kazi's miserable attitude. Ren attempted to engage her by pointing out a particularly skilled swordsmith or a booth full of unusual foods. But Kazi's remarks were polite but distant, her gaze fixed on the ground.
Ren realised that his efforts in the marketplace were worthless and decided to take a different method. "Come on," he said, grabbing her hand and leading her through the narrow streets of Niameda.
"Where are we going?" Kazi asked, a flicker of curiosity sparking in her eyes.
Ren smiled, a hint of mischief playing on his lips. "To a place," he replied, "that always managed to chase away the clouds from your face."
He took her along winding streets, past familiar bakeries and lively businesses, until they arrived in a hidden meadow. It was their favourite spot, a place of peace, tucked away from the bustle of the Niameda.
Kazi's eyes widened as she recognized the place. A small smile, genuine this time, touched her lips. "The stream," she whispered, the memories flooding back.