Back to the countryside, Letentia still stood motionless and frozen, watching Resendus disappear into the distance, her heart beated faster.
"Is it really him?" she wondered, the past spinning like a merry-go-round, they were there, they were somewhere, but it was all blurry and moving too fast.
The memories of a kind royal prince, her brother's best friend, flashed through her mind.
Unlike other princes, he has always been enthusiastic, generous and kind towards her.
But then, a wave of emotion came over her, as if to overwhelmed her.
She could make choice: retreat to her room or stay and help with the apple pies.
1: Retreat to Her Room
Letentia chose to retreat. She approached a staff brother at the orphanage, her heart heavy.
"I'm not feeling well. I will be resting," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
The staff member looked up, concern etched on his face.
"Oh dear, do you need anything? Some tea, perhaps? Or a warm blanket?"
"No, thanks, just a bit tired." Letentia replied, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
She turned away, her heart aching as she headed to her quarters.
Once inside, she sank onto her bed, clutching a small flowery necklace that had been her only connection to the past.
The delicate chain felt cool against her palm, a bittersweet reminder of what she had lost.
She traced the intricate petals with her fingers, feeling the weight of loss and something more.
"This place is my home now. It is, my home." she murmured to herself, her voice trembling. "But... I was... I had..."
Recalling the day everything changed, she felt the weight of loss as her parents and brother were taken from her, executed.
"What if not everyone was lost?" she whispered, her heart racing at the thought.
"What if there..."
The idea of meeting someone who could fill the void, like an aunt or uncle, danced in her mind.
But she couldn't admit it. "I can't keep hoping." she said aloud, shaking her head.
"It's been years. They're gone. Else, why no one came to see me."
Just then, a soft knock interrupted her thoughts. "Letentia? It's me, Juld." came a familiar voice from the other side of the door.
Her heart skipped a beat. "Juld?" she called, trying to sound casual.
"I heard you weren't feeling well. Can I come in?" he asked, his tone gentle.
"Um, yes, of course," she replied, quickly wiping her eyes and putting the necklace under her pillow.
Juld entered, his presence filling the small room with warmth. "You look pale. Are you sure you're alright?"
He stepped closer, concerning etched on his handsome face, understanding flickering in his eyes. "It's alright, isn't it? You do not need to say anything."
"And of course," he said, a warm smile spreading across his face. "if you need some ears, I will be there. We're friends, right? Friends help each other."
"Yes, friends. We are indeed friends." she echoed, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, Juld."
As they sat together, she felt safe and there was no need to think of anything else.
It is enough now. She can rest too.
2: Help with the Apple Pies
Determined to keep her mind occupied, Letentia decided to help with the apple pies.
She joined the children in the kitchen, their laughter mingling with the sweet aroma of baking apples.
"Let's make the most delicious pie ever!" Amorus exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"More!" Nius chimed in, clapping his hands in delight.
"Alright, everyone. Let's get to work!" one of the staff members encouraged, her voice bright with enthusiasm.
"Can I taste the dough?" Amorus asked, his eyes wide with hope.
"Just a little taste, we need it for the pie, remember?" Letentia laughed, playfully swatting his hand away.
After dinner and tea, she wandered into the forest, seeking solace among the trees.
The darkness enveloped the surranding, and as she walked, she stumbled upon a figure standing still, his posture rigid, eyes darting around as if searching for something elusive.
"Are you lost?" she asked, a chuckle escaping her lips. "It's quite late to be wandering around the forest."
He offered a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, a practiced expression of warmth that felt out of place. "Yes, I seem to have lost my way. I cannot find the path."
"Lost around the orphanage?" Letentia teased, raising an eyebrow, sensing the disconnect between his words and his demeanor.
"Well, it was not my intention." he admitted, scratching the back of his head, his voice sounds mixed.
"Come on, I'll show you the way back to the main path." she said, her tone light.
As they walked, he cast sidelong glances at her, pretending curiosity flickering in his cold gaze. "You live here?" he asked, his voice smooth but lacking genuine interest.
"I live in the orphanage over there, not in the forest. But it might be cool to live out here, though it can be dangerous sometimes." she replied, her tone playful.
"Sorry to ask such things." he said, his voice dropping slightly.
"It's alright. You do not need to say anything. You don't need to find a topic to talk about. I'm comfortable with silence too. Just let me take you to a safe path. Follow me closely."
As they reached the edge of the forest, the moonlight spilled onto the main path, illuminating their visions.
Letentia paused, glancing back at him, who stood a few steps behind her, his expression unreadable.
"Here we are." she said, a hint of relief in her voice. "You're safe now. Just follow this path, and you'll find your way back to the village."
He stepped forward, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary. "Thank you, I appreciate your kindness," he replied blankly.
She smiled, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "It was no trouble at all. Just be careful next time you wander out here, not do it at night."
He nodded, a flicker of something. "I will keep that in mind."
Then he turned, his silhouette blending into the shadows of the trees.
Letentia watched him go, a strange mix of curiosity and unease settling in her chest.
With a sigh, she turned back toward the orphanage, the laughter of the children echoing in her mind, a comforting reminder of the world she belonged to.
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Staff Member
Letentia
Juld
Aellus (disguised cloth)
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Letentia watched Resendus fade away, filled with memories of their past friendship and overwhelmed by emotions. She chose to retreat to her room, where she clutched a necklace that reminded her of her lost family, until her friend Juld came to offer comfort and support.
If she had chosen to help with the pies, she would have enjoyed the children's laughter in the kitchen. Later, while walking in the forest, she met a mysterious figure who claimed to be lost, and after guiding him back to the main path.