ã€ŠKnights and witchesã€‹


 First steps

    The sun started to set in the south as a cold breeze filled the air, signaling to the people of the town of Oxmooth to enter their homes and prepare dinner.

    Except for one young man who remained in the town''s cathedral, engaged in conversation with the priest.

    He wore a kettle helmet connected to a chainmail veil that covered his face from his nose to the bottom of his neck. The man was dressed in a thick, long-sleeved protective jacket that reached just above the knee¡ªa gambeson. The jacket was made of several layers of linen and wool, painted with deep and light blue checkers. Completing his attire were a pair of brown pants, tucked into worn leather boots, and a small knife in a scabbard attached to a leather belt.

    In his early twenties, the man had tufts of blonde hair sprouting from underneath his helmet. His smile was bright, and his brown eyes sparkled with anticipation for the quest he was about to embark on.

    "Archibald, I''ve already told you that your equipment isn''t in any shape for fighting, and it''s clear you haven''t trained enough. Please, let someone else handle it," said the old priest while looking through the bag of supplies he had given to Archibald.

    "I already told you, I''m fine. It''s just a draoi. I''ll slay it and come back soon. Besides, a nun is supposed to come with me, and the rangers have already checked it. Honestly, the most difficult part will be the walking," replied Archibald nonchalantly, leaning on the backrest of the chair he sat on and examining the short spear in his hands.

    The priest sighed and said, "You should have been a priest. There are so many things I could have taught you, much more peaceful things..."

    As Archibald and the priest continued to argue, the cathedral''s door was opened by a young nun wearing a greyish white veil over her hair, a worn robe covered her body from her neck to her ankles, tied around her waist by a cincture.

    Tied around her neck was a wooden pendant shaped like a wheel. On her side, laid a cloth bag, and in her hand, she held a wooden staff connected to a small lamp.

    "Excuse me, are you Archibald?" the young nun asked, closing the door behind her.

    "Yes, and who are you?" Archibald answered curiously as he turned to face her.

    "My name is Colette. I''m a nun from the Monastery of Saint Marguerite," the young nun replied in a formal manner. As her blue eyes met Archibald''s, she added, "It''s a pleasure to meet you."

    "Same here," Archibald retorted, getting up from his chair. He started walking towards Colette, stopping in front of her. With a small bit of excitement in his voice, he asked, "Do you have any experience with Fae?"

    "Not yet, but I studied miracles at the School of the Rose, and I''m proud to say that I''m at least at the deacon tier," Colette declared confidently, arching her back. She walked closer to Archibald, pointed her staff towards him, and asked, "Are you ready for your first quest?"

    "Absolutely!" he answered excitedly, with a large smile across his face.

    After saying his goodbyes to the priest, Archibald and Colette set out on their journey. They left the town''s gates behind as they walked along the worn road towards the draoi that would soon be slain.

    As the sky gained a light crimson hue, the young nun asked, "So, what was it about you being a priest? I''m not trying to be nosy or anything. I just heard you talking about it before I entered the cathedral, and I got interested." She tilted her head curiously while thinking about her question.

    "It''s fine, really," Archibald replied. "Well, I moved to Oxmooth a few years ago, and Father Bertrand recruited me as guard for the church and a disciple. After a year or so, he saw that I was divinely guided and promoted me to a deacon, probably like you."

    Colette took a step closer to Archibald and asked, "So why didn''t you continue? Being a priest is really nice."

    He thought to himself for a moment and said, "I know, but I always wanted to be a paladin. I remember meeting one when I was younger, and I just knew that this is what I wanted to be."

    "Besides, paladins should know how to use miracles, so it''s not really special to you or the priests." Archibald quickly added in a witty tone.

    A small grin lit up on the young nun''s face as she said, "I know, I know. But between you and me, the only one who is able to do anything with divine guidance is me, so I guess that does make me at least a bit special." She stood proudly to declare her statement.

    Both Colette and Archibald looked at each other for a brief moment and burst out laughing, as they both understood that they had become friends at that moment.

    As the evening came to a close, the sun had completely set in the south, giving rise to the moon and stars that illuminated all those beneath them. The moonlight signalled to many animals and fantastical creatures that it was time to roam and hunt.

    The pair reached a small clearing in a large forest that seemed to stretch as far as the eye could see. Near the clearing ran a river that teemed with fish.

    The clearing was adorned by the ruins of an old wooden house from a lost age; the roof had collapsed long ago, and the foundations were rotting and falling apart.

    Nearby were a few large white stones, each measuring around one meter in height. They were placed in a circle that encompassed the clearing, with strange markings engraved on each stone, giving Colette an uneasy feeling.

    "Is something wrong?" asked Archibald.

    After staring for a few seconds at the markings on the stones, Colette turned to him and said with a hollow look in her eyes, "There''s something living here."

    A small noise had been heard from the ruin. As soon as Archibald heard it, he saw Colette rushing towards him. She quickly said, "Drop your bag." Before sticking her staff into the ground.

    Archibald put his bag on the ground and quickly took an underarm stance as he looked towards the ruin.

    Suddenly, a small, greyish shape silently emerged from the shadows of the ruined house. The rags it wore fluttered in the wind, revealing its presence as a small, child-sized humanoid figure.

    The creature had frail legs that stood atop iron boots, and in its thin hands, it held a short iron halberd.

    Long, talon-like nails extended from its fingers. Its teeth were sharp, and its eyes blazed with a fiery red. A red cap sat upon its head, dripping with the blood of travelers.

    The creature mumbled in an incoherent language to itself before noticing Colette pulling out an iron pendant of a wheel from her bag. Suddenly, it cried loudly as if in pain, "Hae tae gang! Hae tae slay!"

    The creature then lunged towards Colette, attempting to cut her down with its halberd, but before it could, Archibald pushed Colette to the ground, out of the halberd''s path, taking her place.

    The creature continued on its path, now trying to strike Archibald, but it only managed to scratch his gambeson.

    Archibald stumbled back. For a second, his life flashed before his eyes. He gripped his spear tightly and pushed forward, stabbing the creature in the waist and causing it to scream out in pain. The creature flailed its halberd around, trying to hit Archibald with all its might.

    The halberd struck Archibald''s chainmail veil, pushing his head and body to the right, nearly knocking him over.

    The creature then took a step back, freeing itself from the spear''s tip.

    A demonic rage consumed the creature as it clenched its halberd tightly and lunged forward, piercing through Archibald''s jacket, making a small cut in its cuff then slitting the top of his left arm, causing him to cry from the pain.

    Colette rushed over to him and held the iron pendant in front of the creature, causing its eyes to widen in terror and shock before attempting to flee from the pair.

    No! Archibald thought before throwing his spear at the creature, piercing its back and going through its chest, pinning it to the ground.

    He stumbled over to the creature and quickly pulled the spear from its back. With a swift motion, he stabbed it again, causing it to cry out in fear and thrash its halberd around. This knocked away Archibald''s helmet, pushed him back, and revealed his gentle face.

    Colette ran over to him and kicked away the creature''s halberd , yelling, "Do it now! Stab the cap!"

    Archibald quickly pierced the creature''s cap and skull with his spear, killing it instantly. He then fell to the ground exhausted and asked Colette, "How are you still standing?"

    Turning to face Colette, he saw that she was lying on the ground beside him and saying, "I''m not."

    The pair started gasping for air and laughing as they looked at the shining stars in the night sky.

    Colette got up, sat next to Archibald, and asked him, "can you take off your jacket? I think I can heal your arm now."

    "Of course, thank you," he replied before taking off his jacket. He was left wearing a plain light green shirt and his pants.

    His chest bulged slightly as he leaned back on his right arm and raised his left hand towards Colette.

    Colette then opened her bag and pulled out a waterskin. She poured the water on Archibald''s bleeding arm, causing him to curse and yell out in pain.

    Colette covered Archibald''s wound with her right hand and recited a prayer, "M¨¨re divine, que tes soins aimants gu¨¦rissent tes enfants bless¨¦s."

    The edges of Archibald''s wound began to twitch, then started to pull inward as if they were woven by unseen strings, causing him unbearable pain. Yet, he couldn''t help but stare until the wound closed completely, leaving behind only a light scar.

    Colette suddenly started gasping for air as she fell to her knees, desperately trying to take in even a bit of breath into her lungs. She felt as if her right palm had been cut, and her blood flowed into Archibald''s wound, despite not a single drop of blood being shed from her hand.

    Archibald immediately rushed to her side, his heart pounding with worry, and asked, "What happened?! Oh dear goddess... are you hurt?"

    "I''m fine," Colette replied, trying to force a reassuring smile onto her face. "I''m fine."

    "What was that?" he asked, full of confusion.

    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    "A miracle," she replied quickly, still trying to catch her breath.

    "A miracle? This is a miracle?" Archibald asked curiously while trying to help Colette to her feet.

    Colette started breathing normally again as she stood up. She then replied to Archibald, "Yes, isn''t it incredible?"

    Archibald tried to process the miracle that had just unfolded before his very eyes. His excitement mixed with wonder and confusion.

    "Archibald, go set up your supplies, I''ll take care of our protection for the night," she said.

    "Sure," he replied, still shaken from witnessing the miracle that had been cast upon him, before pulling a large linen sheet from his bag and tying it to a sturdy wooden pillar from the ruins, fashioning it into a makeshift tent. He then pulled out two cloaks and laid them on the ground before settling onto one for rest.

    Meanwhile, Colette pulled her staff out of the ground and tapped it twice, signalling the fireflies inside the lamp tied to it to wake up and illuminate her surroundings. She then retrieved a small glass flask filled with silver-hued water from her bag. Slowly, she walked along the stones, pouring the water on the ground to create a circle. After finishing connecting the circle, it glowed in a strange silver hue for a mere second before disappearing.

    Colette walked over to the makeshift tent, taking off her habit and revealing her short, fiery red hair. She once again stuck her staff into the ground to provide light to the camp. Settling down on the second cloak next to Archibald, he asked her, "What was that?"

    "Holy water. It should ward off any fae or other creatures near us," Colette replied before resting her head on the cloak.

    "Got it," Archibald replied, yawning. He then said, "Goodnight, Colette."

    "Merci, good night, Archibald," Colette replied, yawning as well.

    The pair then both fell asleep in the makeshift tent, under the enchanting star-filled sky.

    As the night passed, the sun rose from the north and bathed the forest in light that awakened all the animals and creatures residing in it. The nearby river, teeming with fish, shone with a myriad of bright glimmers that were scattered across its path.

    The morning light woke Archibald from his deep sleep. After a glance at the still-sleeping Colette, he exited the makeshift tent and made his way to the river.

    After reaching it, he took off his shirt and pants, hanging them on a nearby tree branch. He then unwrapped the bandages tied around his chest, revealing his breasts to the open air. Archibald let out a sigh, disappointment filling his mind as he quickly averted his gaze, asking himself, why are they still there?

    He quickly finished washing himself, went over to his bag, and took out a small linen sheet to dry himself. After drying himself, he put on his pants, grabbed his bandages and shirt, and sat on the ground near the camp. He started to reapply his bandages across his chest, trying to keep it flat and not noticeable.

    At the same time, Colette woke up from her deep sleep. After clearing her eyes, she noticed Archibald was missing from the tent and yelled out to him, "Archibald! Where are you?"

    As Archibald finished applying his bandages, he yelled back to Colette, "I''m over here!"

    Colette stretched her sore body and opened her tired eyes before emerging from the tent. As she stepped outside, she noticed Archibald waving at her and immediately saw the bandages wrapped around his chest.

    Worriedly, she rushed over to him and started to recite her incantation before Archibald quickly cut her off, saying, "I''m not injured!" while lowering his head in embarrassment.

    Again, Archibald thought, as a feeling of familiar dread washed over him. He then raised his head before declaring once more, "I''m not injured."

    The shock on Colette''s face was evident as she pointed at Archibald''s chest and angrily yelled, "Are you mental?! You just covered your chest with bandages!"

    A sense of despair washed over Archibald. He put his head in his hands, covering his eyes before replying, "I''m not injured. It''s for my breasts¡­"

    Colette tilted her head curiously and asked, "Your breasts? But you''re a man."

    "I am, but I have a woman''s body," Archibald replied. His heart felt heavier with each passing second.

    Colette noticed Archibald''s tone and felt sorrow in her heart. She sat next to him and said in a merciful tone, "Sorry I said that. I promise I didn''t mean to scare you."

    After taking a few deep breaths, Archibald responded, "You''re fine, really. I don''t usually tell people because they freak out and think I''m insane or something. It''s so dumb, honestly. I just can''t deal with it anymore."

    His sorrow slowly lifted from his heavy heart as he started breathing normally again. He lifted his head and wiped the few tears that rolled down his face.

    Colette felt a sense of slight calmness returning to Archibald. She turned her head to him and asked in a friendly tone, "Does your family know about it?"

    A sense of familiar regret washed over Archibald''s heart before replying, "They do. They hate me. They said I''m disgusting and to never talk with them again. I had to move to Oxmooth because I didn''t have anywhere to go, and that was the only place that would let me stay."

    "Did you try talking to them? Maybe if you sent a letter and tried to explain yourself, you could talk again. I mean, they''re your family. Don''t you want to go back?" Colette asked in a slightly hopeful tone.

    Archibald raised his voice and yelled at Colette, "Of course I want to go back! What kind of question is this?! I want them to love me, I want to go back but they hate me! I have nowhere else to go¡­"

    He looked at Colette''s worried face and quickly said in a remorseful tone, "I''m really sorry. It''s not your fault or anything. I promise." He put his hands in front of him, trying to signal his regret for yelling.

    "No, no, it''s fine! I think I get it. I mean, not how you feel, but the general things, I guess? I don''t really know what I''m saying... Basically, what I''m trying to say is that everything is fine," Colette replied in a nervous tone, slightly giggling with embarrassment.

    "Thank you. I really appreciate it," Archibald said before adding, "Do you mind fixing my gambeson? I have no idea what to do, and after yesterday, I think I''ll probably need it... Please," while pointing at his padded jacket.

    Colette picked up Archibald''s shirt from the ground and threw it at his face, saying in a cheeky tone, "Fine, but while I''m doing it, at least put your shirt on and organize the camp back. I want to leave quickly so we won''t have to fight it at night."

    "Got it," he replied, putting his shirt on and walking to the camp to organize it.

    After Colette finished fixing Archibald''s padded jacket, she approached him and laid it down next to him just as he was about to finish packing up their makeshift camp.

    After finishing, Archibald put on his padded jacket before pulling out two pieces of pemmican from his bag and handing one over to Colette, who ate the thick mush of dried meat, berries, and fat with delight.

    Once both of them had finished eating, the pair set off on their way.

    Colette walked with her staff in hand, while Archibald held his spear and carried the supply bag on his back.

    A single thought echoed in his mind, I can''t go back.

    The path the pair walked on was a worn-down dirt road that stretched through the middle of the forest. It was barely visible, with grass covering most of it, and only a few stones along its sides indicating its direction.

    The path had been built in an age now long forgotten, its memory retained only by the spirits and ancient gods.

    The trees surrounding it were tall and sturdy, their leaves so dense that barely any light shone on the path Archibald and Colette walked on. Only the lamp connected to Colette''s staff illuminated their surroundings and revealed the path ahead.

    A light breeze approached the pair from behind, as if pushing them forward to continue on their quest. It blew past them, through the forest and leaves, making them rustle and breaking the silence that dominated the air.

    "So I wanted to ask you before but I kind of forgot", Archibald said in a slightly awkward tone.

    "Yes? What is it?" Colette replied, tilting her head towards Archibald, waiting to hear his question.

    "Why did you become a nun? You never really told me," Archibald asked curiously.

    "Oh well you didn''t really ask me," she replied, she quickly giggled before adding, "it''s kind of dumb in hindsight but it was because after my priest told me that I have divine guidance I thought I could be like saints and do great miracles¡­ admittedly I had more of an aptitude for healing so I went to my monastery and studied there."

    "It''s not dumb, we''re kind of the same," Archibald said gently before proudly declaring, "but I''m obviously much better."

    "You might be in combat, but without me, you''d still be bleeding, so¡­" she added quickly in a witty tone.

    The pair continued their playful bickering while walking along the path, wondering when they would reach its end and face the draoi.

    While the pair continued talking, they heard a faint sound of crying ahead of them, and a dim light shone from beyond the forest. Colette raised her hand to her mouth, signalling to Archibald to stop talking.

    They continued walking silently as the sound of crying grew stronger, and the light grew brighter. Eventually, they reached a wall of twisted trees through which the light peeked.

    The wall stretched out from the river to a small outcrop, with only a narrow opening piercing through the wall of trees.

    The pair crouched and silently walked towards the opening. Archibald instinctively clenched his spear in his hands, preparing himself for the upcoming fight, while Colette gripped her pendant and prayed silently for her and Archibald''s safety. They reached the opening, each approaching from a different side, uncertain of what lay beyond.

    Through the opening, they saw a gate made of a large grey stone resting atop two large vertical grey stones, making the gate approximately two meters in height and a meter in width.

    The gate led to a small temple made of four small trees with what looked like faces carved into them, surrounding a large vertical stone in front of a statue carved into the outcrop.

    The statue depicted a fit woman wearing a tunic reaching below her knees. A hood covered her hair but left her face visible, and out of each eye protruded a branch, making them seem like horns. Her expression was calm and reassuring, as if she was trying to show compassion to those who stood before her.

    Her arms, despite being sculpted out of stone, appeared to be made of wood, her fingers resembling twigs. Her right hand held a staff, while her left lay on her chest, creating the impression that, despite being made of stone, she was alive.

    In the middle of the temple, kneeling in front of the stone, was a young girl in her early teens. She wore a long brown dress reaching her ankles, covered by a short-sleeved light green shirt and a long light blue shawl.

    Colette and Archibald cautiously walked towards her, unsure of what to do.

    The girl turned to face them, revealing her face and hands. Out of her left eye protruded a twisted branch that seemed to be covered in blood. Her right eye was deep blue, and the tears coming out of her eyes flowed slowly on her face, like a calm river.

    Her right arm was greenish-brown with cracks all over her skin, resembling ash trees. Each of her fingers was long and slender making them seem like twigs.

    Noticing the spear in Archibald''s hand, the girl lowered her head while wrapping her hands around her chest, hugging herself, before screaming, "I was just trying to help!"

    The pair stood before her, each second making them more weary of the girl.

    She then raised her head slowly, with tears still running down her face.

    She quietly said, "Please¡­ just kill it¡­" before suddenly grabbing the top of Archibald''s spear and impaling herself in the chest.

    Archibald and Colette immediately started screaming in fear and confusion. They ran to the wall of trees, terrified of what they had just witnessed. After reaching the wall, Colette asked, "Are you hurt?" while trying to catch her breath.

    Still confused and scared, Archibald answered, "I¡­ yes¡­ W-what was that?"

    The pair turned their heads towards the girl, expecting to see her corpse lying on the ground.

    Instead, they saw her with arms spread out and face turned towards the sky. She screamed in an agonized and inhuman voice that could be heard from the edge of the forest.

    Colette coldly answered in a scared tone, "Sidhe Draoi."

    The girl was no longer there; in her place stood something wearing her corpse as its own body, something beyond human, something that neither Archibald nor Colette could fully understand - a Sidhe Draoi.

    The Draoi slowly stood on its feet and ran towards Archibald, who stayed in his place, frozen in fear. Colette suddenly pushed him away and took his place.

    The Draoi tackled Colette, knocking her down to the ground, and immediately started to strangle her while continuing to scream.

    He fell to the ground, stricken with fear. He tightened his grip on his spear and ran forward, piercing the Draoi''s waist and pushing it down.

    The Draoi kicked and screamed until it freed itself before attempting to run towards Archibald. Colette then rushed towards the Draoi, hitting the back of its head with the end of her staff, knocking it down to the ground.

    Archibald stood atop the Draoi, a wave of emotions washing over him. Paralyzed by confusion and fear, he hesitated before hearing Colette yell, "Kill it!" The Draoi screamed in an agonized voice, thrusting its hand and piercing Archibald''s gambeson and abdomen.

    For a single second, his life flashed before him; every moment of his life appeared before him, ending with a single thought, I want to move forward!

    He then thrust his spear into the Draoi''s chest, piercing its heart and killing it instantly.

    He fell to the ground in agony, breaking the twig-like finger that pierced his abdomen.

    Colette ran over to him and immediately took out a waterskin from the bag, before pouring water over the wound.

    She then carefully pulled out the twig and pressed the wound, causing Archibald to scream in pain.

    Finally, with tears running down her face, she quietly said, "M¨¨re divine, laissez votre amour gu¨¦rir les blessures de vos enfants", trying to hold herself back from breaking down.

    The edges of Archibald''s wound began to convulse before pulling inward, as if being stitched together by an invisible wire, making him cry out in pain.

    Colette began to struggle to breathe as she fell to the ground, desperately trying to take in even a bit of air into her lungs. She felt as if her own hand had been cut and bled into Archibald''s wound. The pair then faced each other and hugged, crying from both happiness and pain.

    After resting, they buried the girl''s corpse. Colette then recited a brief prayer, and the pair set on their way back to Oxmooth.

    After a long trek, the pair reached the forest''s edge from which they had entered and saw that the sun had started setting in the south, raising the curtain of the night across the sky.

    As the moon began to rise, the stars started to dance across the sky, illuminating everything under their gaze.

    The silence that dominated the air was broken as Colette turned her head towards Archibald and asked in a gentle tone, "So, how do you feel?"

    Archibald took a deep and tired breath before answering, "Fine, I guess? We helped people, right?"

    She lowered her head and said, "Yeah, I mean I want to continue, I want to help, it''s just hard."

    "If you want you can stay here and we can help each other", he replied in the same gentle tone Colette spoke in.

    Colette then embraced him with a hug and quietly said, "Thank you." Archibald hugged her in kind and replied, "Of course, we''re in this together."

    The pair continued hugging for a minute before going back on their path.

    After the pair passed the town''s gate, they walked towards the cathedral. As Archibald opened its doors, he saw the priest kneeling and praying in front of a large wooden wheel situated atop a large coffin at the altar.

    "I''m back," Archibald said aloud. The priest then turned around and ran towards him before embracing him in a warm hug.

    Colette giggled, looking at the slightly embarrassed Archibald before formally saying, "Father Bertrand, I''ll notify the Mother Superior of our success."

    The priest looked at Colette and, with a relieved voice, told her, "Of course, thank you," as she bowed towards him.

    He then turned towards Archibald again and asked in a slightly less worried tone, "Are you hurt? How are you feeling?"

    Archibald looked at Colette, the sorrow in his heart slightly lifted, taking on a different, more calm shape.

    He once again turned to the priest and, with a bright smile and eyes full of anticipation for the future ahead of him, he said, "I feel great!"

 Yellow scarf

    The sun started moving south as the sky darkened, gaining a crimson hue, while a cold breeze filled the air, signalling the arrival of night to the people of Kamieniec Wodny.

    All the while, merchants in the weigh house argued and bickered about their trades and products. In the midst of it, a young woman on the second floor of the building argued with another merchant.

    The woman wore a long-sleeved light green linen shirt beneath a black buttoned short-sleeved jacket. Her pants were a dark shade of green, and below them were simple leather boots.

    Her hair was short, with brunette curls that gave her a boyish look. She had a small button-like nose, thin lips, and light brown eyes.

    Around her neck was a loosely tied yellow scarf, and hanging on her right shoulder was an arquebus tied to a leather belt.

    The two have been negotiating prices long enough for other merchants to finish their deals and watch them as entertainment.

    Her frustration was clear as she contorted a forced smile while quietly saying to herself, ¡°You should be grateful I''m even selling you anything¡­¡±

    ¡°Grateful? Are you serious?¡± the merchant replied angrily, before taking a step forward and quietly saying, ¡°You need me, you need me to buy from you because you know that no one else will even look at you!¡±

    Her forced smile was quickly erased from her face and replaced with a look of absolute contempt.

    While trying to keep her composure, she quietly said, ¡°Maybe we should just finish here for today and talk about it tomorrow,¡± while attempting to force a smile again so as not to show her contempt.

    ¡°Maybe,¡± the merchant answered hesitantly before quickly adding, ¡°After your rude behaviour just now, I might need to reconsider dealing with you again.¡±

    ¡°Listen, I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to offend you,¡± the woman said in a slightly sheepish yet agitated tone, ¡°We should probably calm down and talk about it tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Come back with a better offer, and I''ll consider renewing it,¡± the merchant replied snarkily.

    ¡°Of course,¡± she said, feeling an intense amount of humiliation as she noticed the other merchants smirking and quietly chuckling as they passed near her.

    ¡°May fortune be at your side,¡± the woman said, quoting the merchants'' guild motto. ¡°You as well,¡± replied the merchant before the two started walking away from each other.

    She took a few steps before hearing the merchant say under his breath, ¡°Zio.¡±

    She stopped for a single second before continuing to walk, now with a feeling of despair in her heart.

    As she walked out of the weigh house, a gentle breeze from the sea passed by her. She turned towards it and saw the water reflecting the stars that had started dancing across the sky.

    A faint smile spread across her lips and disappeared as quickly as it appeared.

    She continued walking, observing the shops and restaurants closing their doors as she passed by.

    The faint smell of the sea slowly faded away as she continued marching. She glanced at the sky; the bright crescent rose from the north, bringing with it a gentle cold wind.

    Before long, she arrived at the walls of the Edenite ghetto. The stone walls stood at around one and a half times the woman''s height. Despite their age, the walls were clean, with only a few cracks showing.

    The walls connected through two tall metal gates, the one in front of Esterka providing access to merchants coming from the city, with the other leading to a small graveyard in the city''s outskirts.

    At the ghetto''s front gate stood two guards employed by the church.

    Each of them carried a spear and wore a simple gambeson jacket, painted in blue and yellow.

    She waved towards the guards, who returned the gesture, before turning right and arriving at her home.

    The house stood two stories high, made from stone, with a roof adorned in red clay tiles, and a chimney sprouting up from its back.

    Its front was adorned with birch frames planks, lending it a gothic appearance akin to the neighboring houses.

    As she approached the wooden door at the front of the house, she lightly tapped the mezuzah before touching her lips. She then took a deep breath before attempting to force another weak smile.

    Upon entering, she immediately heard a voice saying, ¡°I told you not to dress like that.¡± making her smile drop instantly.

    She quickly replied in an irritated tone, ¡°You know that it doesn''t matter what I wear, so I might as well wear what I want,¡± while putting her arquebus against the wall.

    Walking to the living room, she saw the source of the voice; a teenage boy wearing a green long-sleeved linen shirt and brown trousers, sporting short brown hair, with his dark green eyes focused on a book.

    He averted his gaze from the book before saying, ¡°Ester, listen, I''m just trying to help you. It wouldn''t kill you to dress a bit nicer.¡±

    She yelled, ¡°You don''t help with anything! And my name is Esterka, EsterKA! Goddamnit, why do you keep calling me that?! You know I hate it, so why don''t you just stop?!¡±

    The boy looked at her in silence, his face showing his nervousness.

    She stopped, took a deep breath, and said in a calm yet irritated tone, ¡°Sorry, it''s been a really long day. I''m going to bed.¡±

    The boy cautiously replied, ¡°Sure¡­¡± before heading to the kitchen and starting to make food, feigning busyness.

    She began walking up the stairs before pausing and taking one last look at him, quietly murmuring, ¡°Gott helf mir¡­¡±

    She walked down the short hallway before opening the door to a small room.

    Inside, a chair was positioned in front of a wooden desk placed underneath a small window. The desk stood between two beds, each stationed on opposite sides of the room.

    On the desk lay a few sheets of paper and a quill that appeared to have been recently used. A small candle stood at the left corner of the desk near the wall.

    Near the door on the opposite side of one of the beds stood a wardrobe filled with messy clothes.

    Esterka lit the candle before lying in bed and staring at the ceiling.

    A dozen thoughts ran through her head, yet she couldn''t focus on even one of them.

    Her heartbeat calmed as she breathed more serenely, feeling her eyelids grow heavier with each passing second.

    She got out of bed, stripped down to her undergarments, then tossed her clothes into the wardrobe.

    After blowing out the candle, she returned to bed, focusing on a single thought before drifting off to sleep.

    Tomorrow will be better.

    After the night passed, the sun rose from the north, signalling the morning''s arrival, its brilliant light shining across the sea¡¯s surface.

    It shone through the window illuminating the small room, waking Esterka up.

    She tossed from side to side before reluctantly waking up.

    She walked to the other bed where the boy still slept and lightly shook him, waking him up while saying, ¡°Nadab, wake up. You need to make breakfast.¡±

    He mumbled before uttering in a half-awake tone, ¡°No... just do it yourself,¡± before turning on his side and attempting to go back to sleep.

    Esterka sighed with slight frustration before snatching the blanket away from him and angrily saying, ¡°Just do it already! I''m already so tired, and I''m busy today. So stop pretending to be tired and get up!¡±

    He raised his voice and said, ¡°Fine!¡± before getting up and walking out of the room.

    She walked back to her bed and fell upon it, seemingly drifting in and out of sleep every few seconds.

    Only a few minutes passed before she heard her name called.

    She reluctantly got out of her bed and yelled, ¡°I''m coming!¡± as she walked out of the room and descended the stairs.

    She entered the kitchen, took a pewter cup filled with water, and quickly rinsed her mouth before grabbing a small linen rag to clean her teeth with.

    She placed the cup and rag on a cupboard beneath a window illuminated by the morning sun.

    Esterka walked over and took a seat at a table in the middle of the kitchen, directly across from Nadab. Placed before each of them was a spoon, a bowl of porridge, and a small pierniki.

    As the pair started eating, Esterka said in a dim voice, ¡°Sorry.¡± Nadab looked up, replying, ¡°Sure,¡± and continued eating.

    After finishing her meal, she left the table and ascended the stairs while yelling to her brother, ¡°Nadab! I''m going out! Do you need something?¡±

    He yelled in return, ¡°Andruty and kabanos!¡± while starting to clean the table.

    As she reached the second floor, she once again raised her voice and said, ¡°There''s some money on the table in the living room so you can get it yourself!¡± before entering the room and closing the door, not letting him add even a word.

    She quickly put on her clothes before grabbing the yellow scarf, feeling a wave of disdain wash over her as she looked at it.

    She shoved it into a small backpack as she left the room, descended the stairs, and reached the door.

    She slung the strap of the arquebus over her shoulder and yelled, ¡°I''m leaving!¡± before opening the door and exiting her house.

    After turning to close the door, she saw an elongated hexagon with a circle in its center painted on the door. A religious symbol for Edenites, used by others as mockery and a marker to identify them.

    An ill feeling washed over her entire body, making her feel slightly sick as she stared at it.

    She quickly opened the door and yelled, ¡°Nadab! They marked us again! Clean it up before you go, and I''ll go talk to S?awomir!¡±

    She then quickly shut the door and started walking toward the guards stationed at the opening of the ghetto.

    She walked towards the guards standing at the ghetto''s gate while calling out with a slight anger in her voice for the younger of the pair, ¡°Mir!¡±

    The young guard quickly turned his head towards her and lightly smiled.

    She clenched her fists as she stood in front of the guard while he greeted her. ¡°Good morning, Ester! How are y-¡±

    ¡°They marked us. Again,¡± she cut him off before adding, ¡°And I told you not to call me that.¡±

    ¡°Right, sorry,¡± he replied, looking slightly downwards and quietly saying in a tone tinged with shame, ¡°I''ll tell the others about your house and try to get another one to stay here at night.¡±

    Esterka sighed, a mix of slight comfort and annoyance in her voice, and thanked him before entering the ghetto.

    He nodded in return before continuing to talk with the other guard.

    Linked to the city''s southern wall, the ghetto was considered a forbidden area to the town''s people.

    They sought to contain the Edenite population yet keep them at a sword''s length.

    Its streets were narrow, built between homes stacked upon homes, making the walk between them suffocating.

    As she continued on her path, the growing anxious sensation inside her intensified. Esterka waved to the people passing by, who in turn warmly greeted her before striking up small conversations between themselves.

    Eventually, she reached a tailor shop near the ghetto''s center, standing between artisan shops and small food vendors.

    As she stood in front of it, Esterka felt a growing sense of comfort and familiarity.

    She opened the door and entered.

    The shop was a small room with a wooden chair and a large desk in its center. Near the walls were racks filled with clothes sewn in various patterns, shapes, sizes, and colors.

    An old man sat on the chair, working on and sewing different clothes. His expression was one of concentration and slight somberness.

    He wore a simple brown long-sleeve shirt, pants tightly hung at his waist, and cheap leather shoes. His eyes were a dark shade of brown, and he had a slightly large nose.

    A skull cap was laid over his bald head, and on his belt was a small pouch containing tools for sewing and repairing clothes.

    A smile spread across her face as she walked towards and loudly called, ¡°Lev!¡±

    Looking up towards her, the man got up from his chair and embraced Esterka in a warm hug.

    A warm feeling spread over Esterka as she hugged him in return, saying, ¡°I missed you.¡±

    ¡°I missed you too, sweetheart,¡± he replied, his eyes warm, before kissing her on the forehead, ¡°Do you still need to pay them? Do you even make enough for that?¡±

    A slight feeling of annoyance came over her, tainting her happiness, ¡°Yes, Lev, I do. If I don''t, I''ll have to live here¡­ and you know I can''t do that.¡±

    ¡°And I make more than enough money, thank you very much,¡± she said, giggling playfully, her tone full of pride.

    The old man sat back in his chair as a stern look spread across his face, ¡°This isn''t funny. You shouldn''t be paying the priests at all.¡±

    She took a step back and crossed her arms, ¡°Do you seriously think I don''t already know that? I can''t live in a ghetto, Lev¡­ I can''t do it. I don''t care how much I have to pay them; I''m not going back here.¡±

    ¡°Why are you talking to me like this? I didn''t do anything to you. What happened?¡± he asked in a somber tone.

    ¡°They marked us, again.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡± Lev said as he shifted in his chair with a slight discomfort. ¡°Did you talk to S?awomir?¡±

    She yelled in frustration, ¡°Of course I talked to Mir! They don''t care! They aren''t doing shi-¡±

    ¡°Don''t,¡± Lev said, cutting her off. ¡°You will not talk like this here. You will not talk like them.¡±

    ¡°Right¡­ sorry,¡± lowering her head in shame.

    Leaning against the table, she faced Lev, a feeling of guilt growing inside her.

    Noticing her expression, Lev took her hand and said, ¡°I''m not mad; I''m just worried about you.¡±

    ¡°I know, I''ll be better next time.¡±

    ¡°I know you will.¡±

    Esterka smiled and walked around the room, checking and measuring the fabrics, trying to calculate how much she could sell each of them for.

    A passing thought went through her head as she pondered her dinner for the day, debating what she should eat.

    After quickly finishing her thought, she scribbled the size of each fabric on a small note she found on the table, slightly inflating the price of each.

    She went towards the door before hearing Lev calling for her and turning around.

    In his hands was a small leather pouch she strapped to her belt before shoving her scribbled note into it.

    His other hand held a sandwich filled with onions, pickle slices, and salted pieces of meat, which she quickly took and ate in delight.

    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    After thanking him, she quickly hugged him before turning to leave the store. She opened the door and said, ¡°I''m going to visit Grandpa today. I''ll tell him you said hello,¡± to which Lev nodded and smiled.

    Closing the door behind her, she stared at the leather pouch, noticing its expert craftsmanship as she started walking once more in the ghetto''s narrow streets.

    The bright sun stood above her, leaning south, as if urging Esterka forward.

    She walked for a couple of minutes before changing her direction and quietly passing through the ghetto''s southern gate, away from the town.

    After waving to the lone guard standing at the gate, she continued on a short dirt road that led to a small cemetery.

    Surrounded by a square brick wall, the cemetery''s tombs were organized into rows of three, with a small prayer room placed in its center.

    An old groundskeeper sat on a wooden stool near the cemetery, reading a book while scratching his beard. Hearing the sound of Esterka¡¯s footsteps, he raised his head and waved towards her.

    She nodded in turn and entered the cemetery.

    She took a small chair that lay in front of one of the graves and dragged it alongside her, careful not to go over the other graves.

    She reached the prayer room and placed the chair in front of a grave before sitting on it.

    The headstone read: Jonas, beloved grandfather, father, husband, and brother.

    Esterka took a deep breath and with a slight tremble in her voice said, ¡°Hey Grandpa, I''m back.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°I really missed you. I have a lot to tell you,¡± she said, slouching in her chair. She looked directly at the headstone''s inscription, yet not focusing on any word.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°I''m fine, thanks for asking,¡± she giggled and added while looking at the bright blue sky, ¡°I already told Lev and S?awomir we got marked, so there''s that.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    She raised her voice slightly. ¡°And of course, S?awomir and the other one don''t know anything about it because why would they?! I mean, it''s not like they''re paid to watch out for us, right?¡± she laughed quietly.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    I really need to learn his name¡­ she thought to herself and sighed. ¡°Anyway, I got a haircut again. I thought you''d like it; it''s kind of shorter than what I wanted.

    Also, I''m going to the guild later. I got some fabrics from Lev, and I finally have a good feeling about it.

    He also told me to tell you hello and that he misses you too.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    She waited for a moment, thoughts running through her head, yet not concentrating on any of them. Then, for a split second, she managed to focus.

    ¡°I forgot to tell you, I finally finished that book I told you about. It was nice. Kind of reminded me of the ones you wrote. I think you would''ve liked it.¡±

    A warm feeling spread in her chest as a memory of her grandfather teaching her poems and prayers resurfaced in her mind.

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°How was your day? Anything interesting?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°I guessed so. Not much to do here, right?¡± she giggled nervously and sighed.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°Why aren''t you saying anything¡­¡± she said in a near whispering tone.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    She once again lost herself in her thoughts for a brief moment before saying, ¡°Thanks for the talk, I appreciate it. I''ll come back later and tell you how it went.¡±

    She then got up from her chair and turned it backwards towards the gate of the cemetery.

    As she started walking, she felt a gentle push from behind. She quickly turned around and smiled gently, thinking, I love you too Grandpa.

    Esterka waved to the groundskeeper and quietly left the cemetery. She returned to the ghetto and left through the northern gate as quickly as she had entered.

    She took a few steps and entered a small alley near the gate, seemingly hiding from the townspeople.

    Esterka took the yellow scarf out of her backpack, and as she wrapped it around her neck, a single word lingered in her mind: filthy.

    Walking back to the town''s streets, Esterka lowered her head and took quick steps, trying to avoid the people''s gazes.

    She quietly moved through the town''s streets and noticed the townsfolk''s whispers and disdain.

    The sun began setting, casting a crimson hue on the fading bright blue sky.

    The weigh house that stood at the end of Esterka''s path was seemingly engulfed in the sun''s dying light.

    A stone mural was carved into the front of its second floor, depicting a scale with coins weighing down against metal bars.

    Esterka opened the large oak doors, trying to avoid the guard''s gaze.

    As she walked through the merchants, a slight relief came over her as she saw most of them busy with their dealings, not noticing her.

    She quickly went up the stairs and reached the second floor. As she did, she saw the merchant she dealt with the day before sitting at a table.

    She called his name, ¡°Edward!¡± and walked towards him as he turned his head to greet her, offering her a seat on the opposite side of the table.

    Esterka sat and said, ¡°May fortune be at your side,¡± while taking the arquebus off her shoulder and leaning it against the table.

    Edward nodded and replied, ¡°You as well.¡±

    She pulled the note from her pouch and passed it to him, saying, ¡°I think that''s more than a fair deal.¡±

    Esterka studied the calm expression that washed over Edward''s face as he read the note, trying to find any indication of what his response would be.

    After a few minutes, Edward broke the silence and said, ¡°Seems fine,¡± breaking Esterka''s concentration and causing her to freeze with only a single word coming out of her mouth, ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I said that it seems fine¡±, he answered before adding, ¡°I noticed the price so don''t think you got away with it.¡± Sliding her the note.

    ¡°Right¡­¡± She nervously took the note and quickly lowered the prices of the fabrics, yet keeping them slightly inflated. ¡°How''s this?¡±

    He quickly looked over the note and nodded his head as a slight feeling of relief spread in Esterka''s chest.

    Edward counted coins in a small pouch, matching the price for each fabric and adding a coin for each type.

    He tossed her the pouch, and Esterka counted the coins. He said, ¡°Think of the extra as an apology for yesterday.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, I appreciate it,¡± she replied, feeling a sense of respect and slight trust growing within her.

    A slight smile grew upon his face. ¡°Of course, sorry for acting that way. It was out of place.¡±

    ¡°No worries, I understand,¡± she lied, while keeping the smile on her face.

    ¡°It wasn''t fair to you. I mean, you''re one of the good ones.¡±

    Esterka''s mind went completely blank in disgust and shame.

    As Edward continued talking about the details of their deal, Esterka nodded in agreement, barely able to hear him.

    She stared at him, seeing his mouth move, uttering more and more words, yet not understanding any of them.

    As time passed, the light from the windows became dimmer and dimmer until eventually it faded away completely, leaving the weigh house lit only by its torches.

    The pair finished their deal and shook hands. Esterka picked up her arquebus and started walking towards the stairs. Stopping right before them, she turned around, calling to Edward.

    ¡°We''re done,¡± she said.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°This is the last time we trade.¡±

    ¡°You''re joking right? You need me and you know it!

    You can''t just walk out like this-¡±

    ¡°I don''t care!¡± She then took a long breath and coldly said, ¡°I don''t care how much you think I need you or the guild. I don''t. And even if I am one of the good ones, I''m still just a filthy Edenite, am I not?¡±

    A look of slight shock and disgust spread upon Edward''s face before replying in the same cold tone, ¡°You know what, you''re right. You are all the same.¡±

    Esterka quickly descended the stairs and left the weigh house, her mind completely devoid of thoughts.

    She took brisk steps, as if marching through the town''s streets, completely indifferent to her surroundings, and before long reached her home.

    Noticing the door was mostly clean, with only a few spots in a faint shade of green where the markings were in the morning, she regained a small sense of composure and opened it, only to hear Nadab calling to her, ¡°Everything''s ready! We can start!¡±

    In a monotone voice, Esterka thanked him and ascended the stairs before yelling in that same tone, ¡°I''m going to get changed!¡±

    Upon entering the room, she dropped her bag and arquebus before seemingly falling onto her bed.

    She then covered herself with her blanket, assuming a near-fetal position, and began to breathe heavily, with small trembles that accompanied each breath.

    I can''t go there anymore, I can''t go to anyone in the guild, I can''t do this anymore.

    Closing her eyes, she drifted in and out of sleep as tears streamed down her face.

    Hearing her brother calling her, she quickly changed into a plain brown shirt and braies, and went down the stairs.

    After descending the stairs, she stood in front of the table. On it were twin candles, a book of prayer, a wine glass, two bowls of porridge, a loaf of bread and a few kabanos.

    Covering her face with her palms she recited a prayer in a near silent tone.

    Nadab then passed Esterka a small piece of iron and a piece of flint, she struck them together making a small spark that lit the candles, staring at the small flames for mere seconds, finding their chaotic movements comforting

    Quickly she recited another prayer as the pair went and washed their hands.

    After returning to the table, Nadab took Esterka''s place and ripped two small pieces from the loaf of bread. Sprinkling each with salt, he quietly recited a short prayer before passing one to Esterka, as they both ate their pieces.

    Nadab lifted the cup of wine, opened the book, and started reciting another prayer. Barely reading through the book, he spoke as if the prayer was ingrained in him.

    Finally, Nadab raised the cup above him, saying ¡°Amen,¡± before taking a small sip and passing the cup to Esterka, who drank it in its entirety.

    After sitting across from each other, the pair started eating. After discussing the day''s events, Nadab wearily asked, ¡°So what are you going to do? We''re not going back there, right?¡±

    ¡°We''re not going anywhere, I''ll find something.¡±

    After finishing their meals and cleaning up, the pair retreated to their bedroom.

    Esterka sank into thought while in bed, thinking about other merchants before turning over and calling Nadab, ¡°I think we need to find you an internship.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°It''s not good that you stay inside all day. Plus, it''d be nice if we had a bit of extra money.¡±

    ¡°You mean money to pay the priests.¡±

    ¡°Yes¡­ but if we already covered that, we''d have money for something nice, or maybe even some extra cabanos every day¡­¡±

    ¡°Hilarious.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± the smugness in her voice was obvious to Nadab, who in turn turned over, facing the wall. ¡°I''ll talk to Lev about it,¡± Esterka added before feeling a cold breeze coming from the window.

    After closing the window, a shiver ran through her body as she stood in front of it. An idea sparked in her mind.

    A smile spread across her face as she stared at the starry night skies, and a renewed sense of hope and pride filled her body.

    Returning to her bed, she fully covered herself with her blanket, feeling warmth spread all over her body. As she fell asleep, a single thought lingered in her mind: Tomorrow will be better.

    As morning arrived, the sun rose once again, its light dancing across the beach waters.

    The room lit up with the sun''s light, waking Esterka to a new day.

    She walked to the other bed and lightly shook Nadab, waking him up and saying, ¡°Nadab, vekn zikh. You need to make breakfast.¡±

    ¡°Fine, fine,¡± he replied, getting out of his bed, seemingly dragging himself out of the room before saying, ¡°Stop speaking in Yichus, you know I don''t understand it.¡±

    ¡°Maybe Lev could teach you a bit,¡± she added in a cheerful tone before closing the door.

    Esterka grabbed a piece of paper from the table, writing another price suggestion on it. She slightly inflated the prices of the fabrics while marking a few of the listed ones with a little line before them. That should be enough.

    After putting on her clothes, she descended the stairs and entered the kitchen. She took a pewter cup filled with water before rinsing her mouth and using a small linen rag to clean her teeth.

    After finishing cleaning her teeth, Esterka put the cup and rag on a cupboard underneath a window.

    She then sat at the table in front of Nadab and began eating.

    ¡°Any new ideas?¡± Nadab asked, Esterka nodded, her mouth full of porridge before swallowing.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°I''ll talk to Lev about your internship.¡±

    ¡°Maybe something else?¡±

    ¡°Whether you like it or not, you''re going to start working, so at least try to get ready,¡± she said, as Nadab groaned and rested his head on the table.

    After finishing the meal, Esterka quickly went up to her room and put on her clothes before grabbing the yellow scarf. A wave of disgust washed over her as she looked at it.

    She folded the piece of paper and shoved it into the jacket''s breast pocket.

    After descending the stairs again she heard Nadab calling for her again from the kitchen, ¡°you''re not taking chekhov?¡± referring to her arquebus.

    ¡°I don''t need it,¡± she said while opening the door. ¡°I have a good feeling about today.¡±

    Taking a deep breath, Esterka closed the door behind her and started walking towards S?awomir, feeling more and more confident with each step.

    After greeting each other, Esterka asked with a bright smile, ¡°Do you mind calling your priest or one of the nuns? There''s something I want to run by them.¡±

    ¡°I don''t mind¡­ but is everything fine?¡±

    After leaning against the ghetto wall, Esterka put her hand on S?awomir¡¯s shoulder. She then replied, ¡°Everything is great. I have a plan.¡±

    ¡°If you say so,¡± he said, then walked towards the church in the center of the city, returning a few minutes later with a nun.

    Wearing a white veil over her hair, a worn robe covered her body from her neck to her ankles, tied around her waist by a cincture.

    Tied around her neck was a wooden pendant shaped like a wheel.

    Seemingly in her late twenties, a smile appeared on her face as her brown eyes met Esterka''s.

    After greeting each other, the nun bowed her head and said, ¡°I apologize, Father J¨®sef couldn''t make it, but I promise I can take care of everything.¡±

    ¡°No worries, I just wanted to offer you something,¡± Esterka replied as she pulled the folded paper from her jacket''s breast pocket. ¡°My trades with Edward have... concluded for now. So I figured that since I already have business with J¨®sef, I thought making this bond stronger would help our relationship.¡±

    She then offered the folded paper to the nun, who in turn asked, ¡°What is that?¡± before arching her back as if imposing herself upon Esterka. ¡°And it''s Father J¨®sef. We have our titles for a reason.¡±

    ¡°Of course, I''m really sorry, Sister Joanna,¡± she then lifted her head slightly, meeting the nun¡¯s imposing gaze. ¡°This is a list of fabrics I can offer you.¡±

    Getting curious, the nun asked, ¡°Why is that relevant to us?¡±

    Arching her back, Esterka confidently stated, ¡°Well, since winter is starting, I thought that it would be beneficial for us if instead of trading with the guild and needing to pay their fees, I''d provide you with fabrics for your winter garments.¡±

    Noticing Sister Joanna''s interest, she added, ¡°There''s only so much your coin can do against the cold.¡±

    Slightly lowering her voice, Sister Joanna said, ¡°I understand.¡±

    ¡°I thought you would.¡± Esterka then pointed at the marked fabric names in the list. ¡°And I can even give you one of those for free if you''re willing to... let''s say... ignore my living situation.¡±

    A few seconds passed as the nun stayed silent, making Esterka''s heart beat faster and faster.

    Breaking the silence the nun spoke with a gentle smile, ¡°I¡¯ll inform father J¨®sef about your proposal.¡±

    Esterka bowed her head, feeling immense pride and relief.

    ¡°Give me a few minutes, and I''ll return with Father J¨®sef''s answer,¡± the nun said. She then turned around and started walking towards the church, yet only took a few steps before being stopped by Esterka calling her.

    ¡°One more thing before I forget, my offer extends to S?awomir and the other guards stationed here.¡± the nun turned to Esterka, nodded her head and continued walking.

    ¡°Thank you, really.¡± S?awomir said while slightly bowing.

    ¡°Of course,¡± a gentle smile spread across Esterka''s face as a wave of calmness washed over her. ¡°Just remember to watch out for us.¡±

    As each minute passed, Esterka''s heart grew heavier. Endless thoughts rose in her mind in a fraction of a second and disappeared just as fast.

    Eventually culminating with a single statement: They need me, they need me; I''m the best they have, and they know it.

    Eventually the nun returned and looked at Esterka. ¡°Father J¨®sef agreed to your terms. May the Divine Mother bless you.¡±

    ¡°And may fortune lead your path,¡± Esterka replied, altering the guild''s motto.

    Once again, Esterka''s heart beat faster. Walking into the ghetto, each step she took was filled with excitement.

    Suddenly she turned, facing Sister Joanna. ¡°If you''re interested, I can talk to Lev about repairs,¡± she said, looking directly at the nun''s robe''s tethered edges.

    ¡°I''ll give it some thought,¡± the nun replied, in a seemingly slightly shameful tone.

    After taking a few more steps, Esterka looked back, making sure she was out of the guards'' and Sister Joanna''s sight. She immediately sprinted, each step filled with energy, and continued on her path until she reached the ghetto''s center.

    Upon entering Lev''s shop, she quickly shut the door behind her and rushed to hug Lev, who sat on a chair working with fabrics, nearly knocking him over.

    Noticing her excitement, Lev asked, ¡°Did something good happen?¡±

    After sitting on the table in front of him, Esterka told Lev about her meeting with Sister Joanna and the terms of their deal. With a warm look in his eyes, he took her hands and said, ¡°I''m so proud of you.¡±

    ¡°I told you I''ll do better,¡± a prideful smile spread across her face as she walked away from the table toward the shop¡¯s door.

    ¡°I''m going to tell Grandpa about it,¡± she quickly hugged Lev again before leaving the store and returning to the ghetto''s narrow streets.

    The early noon sun shone above her, leaning south, as if leading Esterka forward.

    After walking for a couple of minutes, she quietly passed through the ghetto''s southern gate, away from the town.

    She waved to the lone guard standing at the gate before continuing on the short dirt road that led to the Edenite cemetery.

    Hearing the sound of Esterka¡¯s footsteps, the groundskeeper raised his head and waved toward her.

    She in turn greeted him and entered the cemetery. After taking a small chair that stood next to the cemetery''s wall, Esterka dragged it alongside her, carefully avoiding the other graves.

    After reaching her grandpa''s headstone, Esterka placed the small chair in front of it before sitting on it.

    She took a deep breath and, with a slight excitement in her voice and a smile on her face, said, ¡°Hey Grandpa, I''m back.¡±

 Tears of repetition

    The sun rose from the north over the horizon of the Malvasia region, casting a curtain of light over its lush forest.

    The pine trees cast dark, spiky shadows onto a large clearing of grass separating the forest and the river flowing near it.

    In the clearing lay a traveller wearing a long-sleeved brown shirt and a wide green riding skirt, both made from linen.

    Her oblong face was covered by her wavy, coal-black hair. Her eyelids covered her hazel-colored eyes, while saliva dripped from her narrowly opened lips onto the cloak lying beneath her.

    Sleeping next to her horse. A linen bag, leather shoes and a rondinellain stiletto knife lay near, her fingers wrapped around its hilt as if readying herself for combat.

    A slight breeze touched the blades of grass around her, carrying the pine wood aroma to her button shaped nose, waking her up to a new day.

    As the traveller rose from the ground, her sight set on a large village situated on a small plateau in the distance. A feeling of longing washed over her while feeling the wind blowing behind her, as if urging her forward.

    She raked the ashes from the campfire near her over the remaining embers before stomping them out with her worn leather shoes, leaving the soles slightly grey in color.

    After stretching her aching body, the traveller took a small sip from her waterskin and brushed her teeth with the cuff of her left sleeve before turning to her horse and gently petting her companion, signalling her intent to depart.

    After putting her stiletto in its scabbard, the traveller tied the leather belt connected to it around her waist, letting it rest on her left hip.

    After checking her bag, she put it over her left shoulder, letting it rest on her back.

    ¡°Jijo, let''s go,¡± she told her companion as she mounted his back. She then squeezed her legs, urging him to trot.

    Focusing her sight on the path before her, a gentle smile appeared on her face. A feeling of worry mixed with calmness washed over her as endless thoughts began to fill her mind.

    Attempting to clear her mind, she stared at the clear sky above her. Eventually, only a single thought remained in her mind:

    Again¡­

    As the sun slowly marched across the sky, the traveller kept riding towards the village, eventually reaching the front of the small plateau.

    She eventually reached a large vineyard split in half by the road leading to the village.

    The grape''s intoxicating aroma seeped into her nose, reminding her of different towns in the region, each having a signature wine slightly reminiscent of summertime melons.

    Reaching the entrance of the village, she faced a guard wearing a green gambeson and a brown linen cloak. He held a spear with a winged head, to which a pendant holding a wooden wheel was tied.

    While pointing to the ground, the guard said in the region''s native tongue, ¡°Ciao, per favore, scendi da cavallo,¡± with an accent slightly unfamiliar to the traveller.

    After getting off her horse, the traveller attempted to greet him in return and asked, ¡°Ciao, ho fatto qualcosa?¡± despite not truly understanding her words, only repeating a sentence attempting to ask what she did.

    Noticing her foreign accent, a confused expression spread across the guard''s face before he asked, ¡°Per quale motivo sei venuto qui?¡± inquiring as to why she came to the village.

    Only understanding a single word, motivo, ¡°reason¡±, the traveller barely understood the sentence¡¯s meaning and replied, ¡°Passare attraverso,¡± attempting to tell the guard she''s passing through the village.

    Seemingly getting agitated, the guard uttered a single word, ¡°Perch¨¦?¡± attempting to ask her again.

    Stuttering slightly, not a single word left the traveller''s mouth. Her anxiety was clearly shown on her face as she took her bag off her back before opening it, showing the guard herbs, a small knife, a strike-a-light, a piece of flint, and a few copper coins belonging to the region.

    The guard stared at her, a slightly exhausted look spread across his face, while quietly whispering to himself, ¡°Dio aiutami.¡±

    Staring at her once again the guard asked, his impatience noticeable in his tone, ¡°nome?¡± asking for her name.

    To which the traveller responded, ¡°Catina.¡±

    He then pointed behind him at the town''s market and said, ¡°Entra.¡±

    Lowering her head, the traveller put her bag on her back once more and motioned for her companion to follow her as she entered the village.

    She took only a few steps into the village before hearing the guard utter, ¡°Puttana¡± under his breath.

    Not understanding the language, Catina continued on her path once more, yet a sombre feeling grew in her heart. Despite not knowing the word, she understood its meaning.

    A slur referring to foreign women, demeaning and lowering their worth.

    Entering the village''s market, a calm breeze passed through the traveller, bringing the market''s wares'' aroma to her, the smell of salt and fine wine seeping into her nose.

    Looking through the vendors centred at the town''s plaza, the traveller grew more relaxed, enjoying the calm weather before noticing an old merchant sitting on a wooden chair leaning against a stand featuring herbs and local spices.

    Sporting a green doublet, brown linen pants, and pointed leather shoes, the man''s high status was clear to the traveller.

    She greeted him before pulling the herbs out of her bag and asking, ¡°Quanto?¡± inquiring about the selling price of the herbs she was offering him.

    Noticing Catina''s accent, a curious expression spread across his face as one of his eyebrows rose. He then raised both of his hands, lifting a single finger on his right hand and four on his left.

    After attempting to calculate the trade in her head, she eventually agreed and nodded, exchanging the herbs for four copper coins and a single silver coin.

    Noticing Jijo¡¯s unwillingness to move, Catina sighed and said, ¡°It''s the same thing every time with you. Why don''t you eat in the morning? You know you have time.¡± Her frustration growing, she eventually turned to a nearby stand and purchased a pair of apples with a copper coin.

    Feeding the apples to her companion, she felt its tongue wetting her hand. A slight feeling of annoyance washed over her as she wiped her hand on her cloak.

    Finally managing to lead her companion, Catina walked around the market, viewing its wares until she eventually reached its edge, standing in front of a stall featuring dried and smoked meat.

    She pointed at a small piece of prosciutto and raised her right hand, lifting three fingers.

    Silently exchanging two copper coins for three pieces of prosciutto, Catina whispered to herself, "If we run again, at least I''ll have something..." gaining a confused expression from the stall''s vendor.

    Waving her hand towards the vendor, she said, "ninte," attempting to dispel his confusion. He, in turn, looked away from Catina and started to speak with one of the townsfolk.

    Opening her bag, the traveller dropped her acquired copper and silver coins inside, adding to the ones already in it.

    Counting five copper coins and a single silver coin, she felt a slight feeling of satisfaction growing in her heart.

    Putting her bag on her back, Catina started walking once more, with a sombre feeling that slowly faded with each step she took. She thought to herself, Money is the best language.

    As the sun found its place in the sky''s center, so did Catina find herself wandering around the town square, eventually finding herself in front of a popina, a small wine bar usually frequented by the lower class.

    Turning to her companion, Catina took a deep breath and said, "Sorry I said it like that. You know I''m not really mad, right?" to which Jijo rubbed his neck against her head, seemingly accepting her apology.

    ¡°At least you understand me,¡± Catina said with a broken smile on her face.

    She hung off Jijo''s neck, hugging him, standing on her toes and attempting not to lose her balance.

    A feeling of calmness overcame her as she felt her companion''s warmth.

    After letting go of her companion, she noticed a few blades of grass sprouting between the gaps in the stone bricks that covered the popina¡¯s front and once again turned to her companion. ¡°I''m going in. You can have these as a snack,¡± she said while rubbing Jijo''s neck and pointing at the grass blades.

    As she stepped into the popina, a thought entered her head and passed as quickly as it entered, maybe their wine is different from the others.

    Inside the popina was an L-shaped counter standing about waist height. Carved into its stone top were holes filled with food and drinks for the popina''s customers.

    In the left corner was an oven cooking food simultaneously heating the room, giving it a nice, cozy atmosphere.

    The food aromas seeped into the traveller''s nose, just as a sense of familiarity seeped into her heart.

    She then noticed a mature woman sporting light brown hair with slight bags under her eyes.

    Her brown dress swayed around her as she moved between the customers and the oven, her green tunic¡¯s sleeves rolled up, with the woman''s movements clearly wary of the food staining her clothes.

    Noticing Catina, the woman smiled and said, ¡°Ciao, puoi sederti qui,¡± pointing at a wooden chair in front of the counter.

    After sitting in the chair, the traveller stared at the other customers eating, her hunger growing with each snippet of smell from the customers'' ravioli and mortadella.

    The woman turned to her once more asking, ¡°cosa posso portarti?¡± To which Catina silently pointed at the meal of the old man sitting next to her.

    A confused yet friendly look spread upon the woman''s face before saying, ¡°Certo,¡± and walking towards the oven while continuing her conversation with the other patrons of the popina.

    Listening to their conversation, Catina was puzzled, barely understanding a single word of it yet noticing the woman being called Lizia before thinking to herself, Interesting name.

    Getting lost in thoughts, Catina suddenly noticed a dish of ravioli and mortadella being placed in the hole carved in the counter and a wooden cup with Malvasia wine placed in front of her.

    As Catina started eating, she once again attempted to listen to the conversation of the other patrons, only managing to decipher a few words and phrases, yet feeling a sense of enjoyment and warmth spreading inside her.

    Before long Lizia turned to the traveller and asked, ¡°com''¨¨ il cibo?¡± asking if she enjoyed her meal.

    Catina, surprised, only understood it as a question about food, immediately turned towards her and nervously answered, ¡°S¨¬,¡± before shoving a handful of ravioli into her mouth with an iron fork, silencing herself and nodding her head, attempting to halt any further attempt at conversation with her.

    The woman smiled warmly and continued conversing with the other patrons, with Catina in turn listening once again to their conversation. Drinking the Malvasia , a warm feeling spread in her chest as she savoured its taste.

    Barely listening to the patrons'' conversation anymore, Catina continued to eat, yet one word stood out to her:

    Pagana.

    For a single second, she felt as if her heart stopped beating as a thought rose through her mind. They don''t know, they don''t know, they don''t know.

    Quickly finishing her meal, Catina took another sip from the wooden cup, coughing and gaining the attention of the other patrons and the woman.

    She quickly waved her hand, trying to dismiss them, before opening her bag and putting three copper coins on the counter.

    She quickly got up from her chair and walked towards the exit, stopping right as she heard Lizia say, ¡°Ciao, vieni di nuovo!¡± to which Catina in turn said, ¡°Ciao!¡± before exiting the popina.

    She rushed to her companion, hugging his neck, before saying, ¡°Everything is fine, I promise, I''m here.¡± To which her companion responded by raising his neck and rubbing her face with his mouth.

    ¡°I love you too,¡± she said.

    As the sun continued to march towards the south, the pair then continued walking near the town''s market, eventually reaching a blacksmith''s house.

    Its walls were made of sunset crimson-colored clay bricks, giving it a slightly warm feeling, and its roof was adorned with brown clay tiles with a chimney connected to an outside hearth in a workshop. The tools lying on a workbench placed next to it were neatly organized, seemingly left by a blacksmith.

    A scythe''s blade was placed on an anvil on the opposite side of the workshop, catching her attention.

    She tied Jijo''s reins to a nearby cypress tree, saying, ¡°I''ll be back soon, I just want to look at something over there.¡± To which Jijo replied by leaning against the tree before snorting in Catina''s direction. Catina then quickly yelled, slightly turning her head, ¡°I know, just give me a minute!¡±

    Taking brisk steps towards the anvil, she crouched, looking at it closely while saying, ¡°Looks good enough,¡± before walking towards the house''s door and lowering her head to avoid hitting the hanging sign featuring a hammer and the word ¡°Fucina¡±.

    Knocking on the door a few times, Catina eventually said to herself, ¡°Maybe they''re praying,¡± before walking towards the tree and sitting under it.

    Staring at the blue sky, the traveller lost herself in thought, memories of different towns rising to her mind, their wines each having a unique flavor and aroma. Eventually, she reminisced about her hometown''s wine and its oak-like smell.

    Remembering its cold weather, she closed her eyes as she felt a light breeze passing by her, thinking: This is nice.

    Slowly, as each second passed, Catina''s thoughts faded into dreams. She then leaned her head backward, resting it on the tree.

    She then woke up as she suddenly felt a wet sensation on her cheek. She quickly moved her head before looking at her companion, who had lowered his head and was the apparent source of the wet sensation.

    After rubbing her cheek dry with her cloak, she noticed three copper coins laid in front of her. A slight feeling of shame crept inside her as she uttered in a near-whispering tone, ¡°They think I''m a beggar?¡±

    She quickly took the coins and stuffed them in her bag, returning the amount to a single silver coin and five copper coins.

    Lifting her head, the traveller looked forward and noticed an old man wearing a leather apron. His clothes were a light shade of brown, with his cuffs rolled up to his elbows, and a trimmed white beard adorned his face.

    Sitting on a stool in front, he spoke to a young girl leaning against the workbench.

    Seemingly in her early teens, she wore a long green dress, and long blonde hair adorned her head. Her sharp eyes seemed to be looking at a small knife laid on the workbench.

    After getting up, Catina quickly stretched her body before walking toward the apparent blacksmith. As she stood in front of him, a single word left her mouth: ¡°Ciao.¡±

    The blacksmith and the girl both smiled and said, ¡°Ciao¡± before the blacksmith asked, ¡°Cosa posso fare per lei?¡±

    The traveller, in turn, stuttered, attempting to form a sentence, eventually managing to spout a single word, ¡°Pulire?" while pulling her stiletto out of its sheath and presenting it to the blacksmith.

    His confusion disappeared as his eyes widened. ¡°Solo un minuto,¡± he said while taking the stiletto and placing it on the workbench.

    He then pointed at the knife, telling the girl, ¡°Guardare,¡± gaining her attention as he continued carefully cleaning each part of it, seemingly instructing the girl. The traveller attempted to listen to his instruction yet once again only understood a few words.

    The old man then checked the knife before once again instructing the girl to look at the stiletto, pointing out its different parts before handing it back to Catina and raising a single finger, seemingly telling her the price was a single copper coin.

    She then promptly looked in her bag, handed over a copper coin, and returned to her companion.

    A bright smile spread across her face as she told her companion about the blacksmith before continuing to wander through the town.

    As Catina and her companion walked, the sun moved closer toward the town''s edge, as if pulling a dark crimson veil over the northern horizon, signalling the evening''s arrival to the townsfolk.

    The traveller once again turned to her companion and said, ¡°I''m going to find us an inn or something.¡± Jijo lowered his head to meet her gaze. ¡°Don''t look at me like that,¡± she responded coldly. ¡°I don''t like it here. Something feels off. We''ll find somewhere else to live.¡±

    Her companion raised its head, seemingly in agreement, to which she silently said, "We''ll find somewhere else to live.¡±

    As the pair arrived at the town''s center, they stood in front of a small church. A wooden wheel stood above its doors, and another stood atop its small bell tower.

    Its bricks, though their color was slightly faded, stood strong, holding the structure and the people''s faith.

    Built into its outer nave wall was a small well, providing clean water to the town''s residents.

    As she reached the well, Catina emptied her waterskin, then refilled it with fresh water to the brim before placing it back in her bag.

    She then washed her face, attempting to feel more awake, before directing Jijo to the well and letting him drink.

    She stared at the sky as thoughts ran through her head; memories of childhood in a northern town, celebrations of harvest festivals and other holidays, cold winds coming from the northern mountains, making the town''s children shiver as they played outside.

    A single thought crossed Catina¡¯s mind as she fully lost focus on her surroundings, letting her mind drown in memories. Just a bit more¡­ I''ll find somewhere similar¡­

    Staring at the water in the circular well, Catina didn''t notice the figure approaching her; an elderly, bald priest sporting a well-kept black cassock over a white alb and a short, blood-red chasuble.

    In his right hand, he held a wooden staff connected to a small lamp holding dormant fireflies, the staff seemingly functioning as a walking cane for the priest.

    His face grew into a warm smile as he approached, greeting her. ¡°Ciao!¡± he said, snapping her out of her thoughts.

    Startled by his approach, Catina almost immediately opened her bag, searching for coins before asking, ¡°Quanto?¡± The priest shook his head in response and said, ¡°Non devi pagare, ¨¨ per tutti,¡± expressing that the water is for everyone.

    Confused by his response, the traveller slowly took her hand out of her bag, waiting for the priest''s reaction.

    Seeing him smile, she quickly put her bag over her back once more before taking Jijo''s reins and walking away with him.

    She took only a few steps before stopping in her tracks, hearing the priest calling for her, ¡°Attendere, prego!¡± as he began walking slowly toward her.

    A feeling of anxiety grew in her heart with each step the priest took.

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    As the priest stood in front of her, Catina felt her heartbeat slowly quicken before hearing his question, ¡°Sei del nord?¡±

    Not understanding the question yet recognizing the last word, she nodded her head, hoping to satisfy his curiosity.

    He then asked, ¡°Are you from Rondinella?¡± speaking in the traveller''s native tongue.

    Stunned by the question, Catina attempted to answer, yet no sound left her mouth.

    Noticing her shock, the priest added, ¡°I noticed your accent and figured we might be from the same place.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean, the same place?¡± the traveller asked in a quiet tone, still unsure of how to continue the conversation.

    The priest walked closer to her before sitting on a stone carved into the side of the church, next to the well.

    Taking a small breath, he said, ¡°I was born in Rondinella. Seemingly like you.¡±

    ¡°And how do you figure that?¡± Catina asked suspiciously.

    Noticing her tone, the priest slowly raised his hand, as if attempting to calm the traveller. ¡°I didn''t mean anything by that, I promise. It''s just that both of us speak Serenise, so I thought that, at the very least, both of us are from there.¡±

    ¡°I see¡±, Catina said before taking a deep breath. ¡°I''m sorry if I seemed rude. I promise you, I didn''t mean anything by that either.¡±

    ¡°I understand,¡± he replied. ¡°Would you like to talk a bit? It''s been a while since I talked to someone like you.¡± He tapped on the bench, leaving her room to sit.

    Catina nodded her head and sat next to the priest. Feeling a wave of unexplained calmness wash over her, she asked, ¡°So, how did you even get here?¡±

    The priest smiled once more and said, ¡°The Divine Mother guided me here. I felt her calling me to help guide people. And you can call me Father Celso, dear.¡±

    ¡°Of course, Father Celso, it sounds nice,¡± she replied. A slight disdain in her voice was clear, yet the priest ignored it.

    ¡°So, you can perform miracles?¡± Catina asked, inquiring about his statement.

    The priest laughed lightly before answering, ¡°I''m afraid not, dear. The Divine Mother didn''t bless me with that kind of power, but I assure you, being in her service is more than enough.¡±

    ¡°I''m sure it is,¡± Catina said, lying as naturally as she breathed.

    ¡°And what brought you here, dear?¡± the priest asked, the warmth in his voice clear.

    Looking down at the ground beneath her, she took a big breath and answered in a cold tone, ¡°Some soldiers came, said that they''re on a crusade to ¡®purge the pagans¡¯ or something.¡±

    A moment of silence emerged; only the sound of a breeze rattling leaves on the ground was heard.

    Waiting for a response, Catina eventually started getting up from the bench. Just as she did, she heard a question: ¡°And why did you leave?¡±

    ¡°They said that they''re going to take me with them for morale,¡± the traveller answered. ¡°I didn''t stay long enough to see what they meant by that.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± the priest said, a silent apology was clear in his tone, yet left unsaid. ¡°Maybe it''s for the best; that region has a lot of pagans. They might have hurt you.¡±

    Her heart stopped once again for only a second as a thought rose in her mind: Like you know anything.

    ¡°I think I should go. I still need to find an inn.¡±

    ¡°I understand, and if I may, can I ask you a question?¡±

    ¡°Of course Father Celso.¡±

    ¡°Your companion, how did you acquire him? I don''t think I''ve seen anyone other than merchant guild coachmen have one.¡± His curiosity was evident to Catina, who, in turn, stared at Elpis.

    A light smile formed on her face, and a sense of tranquillity washed over her as she answered, barely giving it a thought, ¡°A blessing from the gods, I guess¡­¡±

    ¡°The gods?¡±

    A moment of silence emerged once again.

    As if time stood still, the traveller stood with it. Not a single muscle moved, yet her heart pounded faster and faster as her stomach felt as if it were sinking into itself. A single thought embedded itself in her mind, again¡­

    Stumbling through her words, only a single lie left her mouth: ¡°It''s just a phrase¡­¡±

    ¡°Of course. You''d better be on your way then,¡± he said, the suspicion clear in his tone.

    A shiver ran down Catina''s back, as if the unsaid words pushed her to walk away from the priest. As she walked toward her companion, she heard a single sentence leave the priest''s mouth: ¡°We¡¯ll talk later,¡± a tinge of familiar warmth still lingering in his tone.

    Quickening her pace, she eventually reached her companion, hugging his neck and apologizing profusely. ¡°I''m so sorry, I''m so sorry, I didn''t mean to, I''m sorry¡­¡±

    Jijo quickly lowered his head, not understanding Catina''s panic yet attempting to comfort her.

    Taking his reins, the traveller turned to walk to the front of the church, yet stopped in her tracks when she saw Father Celso talking to a town guard, pointing at her without even turning his head.

    Her heart stopped once again as her eyes widened, every muscle in her body screaming to run, find another town, find peace.

    Yet, she quietly walked away, attempting to escape the guard''s gaze.

    Her heart beat faster with each step she took, her eyes locked onto the ground yet not noticing anything on it.

    Walking through the town''s streets, she eventually reached a small inn¡ªa building with one floor, its roof adorned with brown clay tiles and a pine wood door at its front.

    Hugging Jijo, Catina said in a weak tone, ¡°I''m so sorry. We''ll find a different place, a better one. I''ll just stay here for a bit and think, and you''ll stay here for a bit and wait, got it?¡± To which her companion lowered his head in acceptance.

    ¡°I knew you''d understand,¡± she said before opening the door and entering the inn.

    The inn''s interior looked as if it were hollowed out and polished¡ªa grotto brightly lit by a large lantern hanging from the ceiling, with two doors on opposite sides of the room leading to small guest rooms. A small wooden desk sat on the opposite side of the room.

    A lone old woman reading scripture sat behind it, her slightly wrinkled face showing her age. She wore a simple green dress and leather shoes. Her grey hair was cut short, and her hazel eyes looked up as Catina closed the door behind her.

    She quickly straightened her back while greeting her with a warm smile, ¡°Ciao! Cosa posso fare per te?¡±

    Stumbling through her words, the traveller slowly pointed toward the door on the right, saying, ¡°Sonno,¡± not knowing the word''s meaning yet recalling it being said in other inns in the region.

    The old woman nodded, slowly getting up from the chair and taking a small linen pouch from underneath the table. Presenting it to the traveller, she said, ¡°Solo una moneta d''argento, caro.¡±

    Confused by her words, Catina moved her bag forward, took out all the region''s currency from it, and presented it, asking, ¡°Quanto?¡±

    Taking the silver coin from her hand, the old woman smiled and led the traveller to the door on the right side of the room. ¡°Puoi partire domani mattina,¡± she said, smiling before opening the door.

    ¡°Gracias,¡± Catina replied, not understanding the woman''s language but assuming it to be kind in nature.

    After entering the room, she quickly closed the door behind her. The room was shaped similarly to the entrance, with a small wooden table and chair set against its right wall and a small bed to the left.

    Her body instantly felt stiff as a sense of silence overcame her. Not a single thought passed through her mind. Moving on instinct, she grabbed the chair and set it under the doorknob, making sure it would stop any interruptions from the other side.

    With shaking legs, she took only a few steps forward, before sitting at the edge of the bed.

    Feeling as if her stomach had been hit, she curled into herself, her lips trembling as quick breaths went in and out, barely enough to fill her lungs. Tears slowly started forming at the edges of her eyes as a single word left her lips¡­

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Why?! Why?! Why?! Every single time!¡± Catina screamed, feeling as if no air was left in her lungs. She breathed heavily, yet barely managed to take any air in.

    Covering her teary eyes with shaking hands, not a single thought took hold of her mind.

    As tears flowed down her face and her breath slowed, the traveller attempted to wipe her face, yet the tears continued to fall, with not a single sound leaving her mouth as endless thoughts and memories burst and flowed through her head.

    Memories of riding on Jijo''s back mixed with thoughts of doubt and faint hope, seemingly allowing a sense of calmness to gently open her mind.

    Finally managing to wipe away the tears, she took a deep breath, attempting to concentrate. A broken smile spread across her face as a single memory of her hometown sparked in her mind and evolved into a thought.

    A thought of a house at the edge of town.

    Quietly exiting it, she walked into the town with a bright smile, a feeling of acceptance growing in her heart with each step she took.

    A memory that never was.

    The broken smile grew larger as an awkward laugh escaped her mouth. Taking a deep breath, Catina turned her head upward, finally managing to speak. With closed eyes, she whispered to herself, ¡°Just a bit more¡­¡±

    Wiping her face with her palms, she slowly got up. Feeling a sense of weakness in her knees, she breathed deeply, attempting to regain her balance.

    Leaning on the wooden chair, memories of previous towns and villages lodged themselves in her mind¡ªescaping persecution and running before it even took place.

    Remembering a promise of places that would accept her heritage, she breathed deeply and silently said to herself, ¡°I just need to wait a bit, and everything will get better. I''ll find somewhere else and live there! They won''t call me a pagan, and everything will be fine!¡± She nervously laughed as a feeling of weightlessness took hold of her, as if the mere thought of a better future made her body lighter.

    Slowly pulling her stiletto knife out of its sheath, she stared at its blade, focusing her thoughts. ¡°I''ll get out, find somewhere else, and everything will be fine,¡± she reassured herself, thinking about a hopeful future as tears once again rolled down her face.

    Despite her heart still beating fast her thoughts calmed, leaving only a single one in her mind, escape.

    ¡°I''ll just make a bit of a mess, yes, they''ll come here, and I''ll already be on Jijo!¡± she rationalized to herself. ¡°They won''t find me here, and everything will be fine! At worst, it''ll be a broken door, and that''s it!¡± she rambled, trying to make sense of her plan.

    Adjusting her grip on the cloth surrounding the hilt of the stiletto, she breathed calmly and walked to the door.

    Standing in front of it, the traveller felt the air around her hands and hilt. She calculated its volume and density in her head, beginning an ancient practice passed down to her.

    A ritual.

    Attempting to avoid the blade, Catina gripped the hilt tighter, as if trying to make it an extension of herself.

    Calculating ancient formulas in her head, she felt her body begin to drain of its strength, as if every ounce of it were flowing toward the air surrounding her hands and the hilt.

    Slowly condensing the air around the stiletto¡¯s blade, she grew more and more exhausted. She breathed slowly, concentrating solely on maintaining the ritual.

    Nearly at its end, she heard a voice calling to her from beyond the door, ¡°Per favore, esci. Padre Celso vuole parlarti.¡±

    Feeling as if her heart had sunk, the traveller ignored it and gathered her senses. Only a single step remained to complete the ritual.

    ¡°Duc me ad regnum venti.¡±

    She spoke in a near-whisper, uttering a phrase in an ancient tongue, finalising the ritual.

    The concentrated air surged forward, nearly knocking the door off its hinges and crashing into the source of the voice behind it, while pushing Catina back.

    Taking a deep breath, she pushed herself forward, leaving the room and running toward the inn''s entrance.

    Feeling someone grab her leg, she fell to the ground. Her eyes widened in fear as she saw the town guard, sent by the priest, bruised and breathing heavily, attempting to subdue her.

    The pair struggled on the floor before the guard pulled a knife from a small sash tied to his thigh and stabbed the traveller''s left calf, causing her to scream in pain.

    Instantly, she wildly swung her right arm, striking the guard''s upper jaw. The blow rattled his brain within his skull, giving him a concussion and knocking him out.

    ¡°He''s just out, he''ll be fine!¡± Catina said to herself. Pulling her waterskin from her bag, she poured water over the wound on her calf, screaming in pain once again. Quickly ensuring the wound was clean, she took the guard''s sash and tied it around the injury.

    She slowly got up, eventually leaning on her right leg. Feeling exhausted, she limped toward the entrance, completely ignoring the frightened elderly innkeeper in the corner of the room.

    Noticing her panicked companion, she slowly raised her arms, causing him to calm. She hugged his neck and said in a weak voice, ¡°I''m so sorry, I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡±

    Jijo lowered his head, in turn calming Catina.

    Walking to his side, she struggled to get up on the saddle before eventually succeeding. She then lightly squeezed her thighs, causing her companion to trot.

    Noticing the night¡¯s veil take form over the starry sky, the traveller felt as if the moon, rising from the north, was pushing her forward and away from the town.

    Eventually she reached its southern border and urged Jijo to go faster, causing him to run down a road parting the plateau''s southern vineyard.

    Leaving another town behind the pair, and moving towards the region''s large forest and an uncertain future.

    Entering the forest, Catina felt as if the night''s veil had lifted, and the path ahead of her brimmed with life.

    Seeing that the town behind her had disappeared into the horizon, the traveller urged Jijo to slow his pace, attempting to conserve his energy.

    As Catina ventured deeper into the forest, the dark sky above her became a tapestry of stars. The moon, nearing the sky''s center, illuminated the forest below.

    The many inhabitants of the wild roamed through the forest, paying no mind to the traveller as they went about their way.

    Surrounded by pine trees, the traveller noticed a series of flat stones lodged in the ground, gradually becoming more prominent, as if guiding Catina onward.

    Breathing deeply, she eventually sighed, noticing the stones before her had formed a path¡ªa road centuries ago, for a purpose still unknown.

    As the moon continued its journey across the sky, the traveller followed the path, eventually arriving at a forest clearing. Its circumference was decorated with small, ruined pillars, each intricately designed with a circular body and a flat square top.

    A small pond rested on its eastern side, with a ruined ancient house on its western side.

    At the center of the clearing stood a small, ruined ancient temple, one belonging to an old faith.

    A solid stone roof with a rectangular base rose upward to an intricately designed pediment, depicting a small hooded figure gently laying a hand over two praying figures on either side, supported by thin pillars identical to the ones surrounding the clearing, yet twice Catina''s height.

    A small altar for a deity nearly forgotten by time stood at the temple''s center¡ªa delicately built small stone throne surrounded by decaying offerings of blood and plants.

    The toll time had taken upon it was clear to Catina, as the rear part was nearly sinking into a small hill behind it, while the front was in disrepair, with several of its pillars half broken and close to crumbling.

    Stopping her companion before the temple''s entrance, Catina carefully dismounted, yet immediately collapsed as her wound reopened, causing her to scream in pain.

    Gathering her strength, she quickly grabbed a pinecone lying nearby and slowly got up, limping toward the altar.

    It''s supposed to be a good one, it has a temple, it''ll help.

    Reaching the altar, she slowly knelt and lowered her head in front of the figure seated upon the stone throne.

    The figure was childlike in size, yet its presence radiated the essence of an ancient being, nearly lost to time.

    Slightly elevating her head, the traveller stared at the figure. It wore a crimson hood that covered its entire body, and its apparent skin was stretched and seemingly fused with the fabric.

    Lacking any lower appendages, the figure''s body consisted only of a small torso, a head, and arms, all seemingly grafted to its hood through the fused skin.

    The figure''s face was skull-like, lacking both a nose and lips. Not a single breath entered its body as its blank eyes stared at the traveller before it.

    A sense of dread and reverence filled her heart as a single weak-toned sentence escaped her lips, ¡°Genie Cucullate, I''ve come to bargain.¡±

    The figure continued to stare intently at the traveller before it, waiting for her to continue.

    Taking off her leg sash, Catina watched as her wound continued to bleed. Her hands shook slightly as her breathing quickened, struggling to suppress her pain.

    Grabbing the blood-soaked leg sash and pinecone, she placed her palms above her lowered head, saying, ¡°To you, Ferrer Finis¡¯s messenger, I bring an offering of nature¡¯s flesh and man¡¯s blood; I wish only to be blessed by your grace and to be healed.¡±

    The figure grabbed the traveller''s offerings with its hood-infused hands before biting off the sash with its sharp rotten teeth, only taking in the blood-soaked part and biting off the pinecone¡¯s scales, seemingly accepting her offering before tossing away the leftovers.

    ¡°Please¡­ help me¡­¡± she pleaded, while showing her wound to the figure. The figure lowered its posture and extended its hand forward, grabbing her left calf and causing the traveller to scream and nearly fall.

    It then quickly launched its hand at her face, forcibly silencing her. With tears forming, she watched as the figure, in a near-silent tone, uttered unknown words.

    A language unknown to man, lost to time, was the only thing Catina heard. The words were incomprehensible to any who heard them, their mere mention making her feel as if her ears bled.

    As her pain and fear grew, a sharp, painful sensation was felt in her leg. She quickly looked down as she felt her muscles slightly grow while reattaching themselves, slowly stopping the bleeding.

    Her breathing slowed as less and less air entered her lungs, slowly suffocated by the hand clutching her face.

    Starting to feel her head grow lighter, a single thought passed through her mind: Everything will be fine¡­

    Ending the ritual, the figure threw Catina backward, allowing her to breathe once more. She quickly looked at her leg, seeing her wound completely shut, with only a faint scar left in its place.

    Looking at the figure, she watched as it slowly raised its right hand, pointing at the ruined house, seemingly directing her.

    ¡°Thank you! Thank you so much!¡± she yelled as a sense of reverence grew within her.

    She quickly turned and ran toward her nervous companion, hugging and calming him down.

    ¡°The gods really did bless me¡­¡± she said in a near-whispering tone as she took Jijo''s reins and walked toward the ruined house.

    After ordering her companion to stay put by the house¡¯s half-ruined wall, the traveller gathered fallen sticks and stones, built a small campfire, and ignited it with a strike-a-light and flint.

    Pulling out two pieces of prosciutto, she ate them while looking at the stars.

    Then, with a slightly broken tone, she told her companion, ¡°I know today was bad, but we can try again tomorrow. We''ll find somewhere else, right?¡± Without waiting for his response, she added, ¡°We will¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to wash myself. Eat something before you go to sleep.¡± Catina then walked to the pond. A shiver ran up her spine as she passed the temple, prompting her to take a few quicker steps.

    Standing in front of the pond, she crouched and dipped her right palm into the water, finding its lukewarm touch relaxing. She removed her cloak, clothes, and undergarments before stepping into the pond.

    While washing her body, she glanced at a pair of similar scars on her right shoulder and left forearm¡ªmementos from other towns.

    Feeling clean, she left the pond and dried herself with the cloak''s exterior. After fully drying off, she dug a small hole to relieve herself, then put her undergarments and clothes back on, carrying the cloak over her shoulder.

    Walking toward the house and sleeping companion, past the temple, she glanced at the throne, noticing the myriad of offerings lying beneath it. As a broken smile spread across her face, a thought sparked in her mind¡ªthey were here too.

    Lying by the campfire, Catina set her leather shoes aside and held her stiletto in her right hand before wrapping herself in her cloak, using it as a makeshift blanket and letting it dry by the fire.

    Feeling more tired as the minutes passed, the traveller eventually closed her eyes. With a single tear rolling down her face, a quiet sentence left her mouth before she finally fell asleep: ¡°I''ll try again tomorrow¡­¡±

    The sun rose from the north over the horizon of the Malvasia region, casting a curtain of light over its lush forest.

    The pine trees cast dark, spiky shadows onto a large clearing deep within the forest.

    In the clearing lay a traveller wearing a long-sleeved brown shirt and a wide green riding skirt, both made from linen.

    Her face was covered by her wavy, coal-black hair. Her eyelids covered her hazel-colored eyes, while saliva dripped from her narrowly opened lips onto the cloak wrapping her.

    Sleeping next to her horse. A linen bag, leather shoes and a rondinellain stiletto knife lay near, her fingers wrapped around its hilt as if readying herself for combat.

    A slight breeze touched the blades of grass around her, carrying the pine wood aroma to her nose, waking her up to a new day.

    As the traveller rose from the ground, her gaze settled on a narrow path leading to a small village outside the forest.

    A feeling of longing washed over her while feeling the wind blowing behind her, as if urging her forward.

    She raked the ashes from the campfire near her over the remaining embers before stomping them out with her worn leather shoes, leaving the soles slightly grey in color.

    After stretching her aching body, the traveller took a small sip from her waterskin and brushed her teeth with the cuff of her right sleeve before turning to her horse and gently petting her companion, signalling her intent to depart.

    After putting her stiletto in its scabbard, the traveller tied the leather belt connected to it around her waist, letting it rest on her left hip.

    After checking her bag, she put it over her left shoulder, letting it rest on her back.

    ¡°Jijo, let''s go,¡± she told her companion as she mounted his back. She then squeezed her legs, urging him to trot.

    Focusing her sight on the path before her, a gentle smile appeared on her face. A feeling of worry mixed with calmness washed over her as countless thoughts began to fill her mind.

    Attempting to clear her mind, she stared at the clouded sky above her. Eventually, only a single thought remained in her mind:

    Again¡­

 A family song

    The sun sank towards the southern horizon of the Gisleensvallei Duchy, pulling a curtain of darkness over it.

    The oak and birch trees surrounding its outskirts were enveloped in the night¡¯s darkness, yet clearly visible under the bright moon and stars decorating the sky.

    The darkening skies signalled the arrival of night to the farmers living in the small village on the duchy¡¯s outskirts, still eating dinner in their torch-lit, birch-framed stone homes.

    The sound of bickering and yelling could be clearly heard from almost every house, with one in particular as heated as the flames of the hearth.

    A tall, toned woman in a bright green linen dress was fiercely arguing with the old man seated in front of her on the other side of the table.

    Her tanned skin and short blonde hair appeared darker under the torchlight, with the freckles around her slightly hooked nose seemingly shifting with every yell that escaped her mouth.

    Her amber eyes stared intently at the old man as a single question left her mouth, ¡°Is that all you can talk about?¡±

    ¡°You haven¡¯t even tried anything! He¡¯s a good boy; at least see if you like him,¡± the old man replied, wearing brown linen pants and a blue linen tunic, tied around his lower waist by a leather belt.

    He scratched his short white beard while staring at the woman in turn with his blue eyes.

    ¡°Grandpa! I told you every single time, I don¡¯t want to talk about it!¡± the woman replied before sitting once more and filling her mouth with stamppot.

    As the pair continued to argue, the young man sitting between them kept eating, attempting to ignore them.

    The short blonde hair adorning his head seemed darker, like his sister¡¯s. His skin was tanned, with freckles scattered across his round face and over his aquiline nose.

    As the man thought about tomorrow¡¯s tasks, attempting to ignore the bickering in front of him, he lifted his head. His amber eyes looked at the older man sitting across from him, and he called to him, ¡°Dad,¡± gaining the older man¡¯s attention before asking in a tired tone, ¡°Can you pass the chicken?¡±

    His father then quickly passed a bowl filled with cured chicken legs before returning to watch his daughter and father argue, quietly laughing as he did.

    While quietly eating, the young man kept observing the pair, yet he placed no real interest in their argument.

    Slowly looking away from the pair, the young man stared at the cuffs of his shirt before examining the rest of his clothes. His orange linen shirt and brown pants appeared slightly wrinkled, prompting a thought to rise in his mind: I¡¯ll just wash them tomorrow.

    As more thoughts passed through his mind, a single sentence from the woman caught his attention: ¡°If you¡¯re so interested in marriage, then just get Anjo to do it! He¡¯s feminine enough that he can get with any guy you want anyway.¡±

    ¡°Why are you bringing me into this?¡± the young man said, his tone clearly defensive. The woman quickly replied, ¡°I¡¯m just using you as an example.¡±

    ¡°Fine,¡± Anjo replied, slightly sulking in his chair. ¡°Just don¡¯t say it again.¡±

    ¡°Right, sorry,¡± the woman replied before returning to fiercely argue with her grandpa.

    As the minutes passed, the pair calmed down, only throwing the occasional remark at each other.

    As a slight sense of tension grew in the room, the man sitting in front of Anjo said, ¡°Dad, just stop it. This is too much.¡±

    The old man stood up, saying, ¡°We¡¯ll talk about it tomorrow,¡± before exiting the kitchen and entering a small bedroom under the second floor¡¯s pantry.

    Taking a deep breath, Anjo¡¯s dad called to the woman, ¡°Claar, just stop it. You know how he is.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean, ¡¯stop it¡¯? I¡¯m not doing anything. Even Anjo knows that,¡± Claar replied sharply, her anger clear to the two men.

    ¡°Maybe you could just marry him and stay friends, you don¡¯t need to really do anything,¡± Anjo said in a near silent tone.

    ¡°Listen to me and listen well,¡± the woman coldly said, ¡°I¡¯m not going to marry Eerwyn or anyone else, because I¡¯m not interested in anyone and I never will be and I¡¯ll never force myself to be. Understand?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± he sheepishly replied.

    As the three finished their meal, a sense of slight dread set in, an uncomfortable silence, suddenly interrupted by the woman saying, ¡°sorry, it¡¯s not your fault, good night.¡± Before walking up the stairs and entering a small bedroom.

    The men then started cleaning their wooden plates with wet linen towels, placing the discarded chicken bones in an oak bowl filled with water.

    ¡°Just clean them tomorrow. I¡¯ll take them to the guild,¡± the man said, to which Anjo nodded, thinking to himself, It¡¯s fine.

    ¡°I know it¡¯s gross, but they sell well enough,¡± the man said, placing his plate on the table.

    ¡°It¡¯s not that; I¡¯m just thinking about something,¡± Anjo replied.

    ¡°They¡¯ll be fine. They¡¯ll keep arguing tomorrow too, anyway,¡± Anjo¡¯s father said before quietly whispering to his son, ¡°It¡¯s not like they¡¯ll ever stop.¡±

    The pair laughed, then hugged before parting to their respective bedrooms, each wishing the other a good night.

    The young man went up the stairs before entering the room the woman had gone into.

    Inside, two beds stood on opposite sides of the room. Between them, a wooden desk was positioned, with a small window above it.

    On it lay a copy of the holy scripture and a small candle standing in the upper right corner of the desk.

    Near the door¡¯s right side stood a small cabinet, filled by only a pair of work clothes for Anjo and Claar.

    A wooden broom leaned against the cabinet, while a collection of small, random wooden trinkets lay on top of it.

    Noticing Claar curled up in her blanket on the left bed, Anjo quietly walked towards the right one before taking off his pants, leaving him wearing only his undergarments and loose shirt.

    While entering his bed, a single sarcastic sentence left his mouth: ¡°Maybe if you became a nun, Grandpa would leave you alone.¡±

    His vision went dark as a pillow thrown by Claar hit his face. ¡°Just shut up,¡± she said before curling into a foetal position.

    Throwing the pillow back at her, Anjo said, ¡°At least I¡¯m trying to come up with solutions. Not to mention, they get a really nice staff.¡± He then gathered himself in the blanket and faced the wall. ¡°Sorry,¡± he said, unsure of what else to say.

    An awkward silence filled the room, suddenly interrupted by a nearly silent, ¡°Good night,¡± from Anjo.

    Nearly falling asleep, his eyes suddenly burst open as he heard a loud, fake snore coming from Claar.

    ¡°Stop!¡± Anjo said to her, covering his head with his pillow in an attempt to muffle the sound.

    ¡°If you really don¡¯t want to get married, just do that! No one will want to stay with you after that!¡±

    The woman laughed, seemingly calmer, and wished Anjo good night before falling asleep herself.

    Staring at the wall in front of him, he felt more tired as the seconds passed. Finally closing his eyes, he thought to himself, This is just dumb, before falling asleep.

    After the night passed, the sun once again rose from the north, signalling the morning¡¯s arrival, its brilliant light illuminating the blades of grass adorning the duchy¡¯s outskirts.

    Shining through the window, it illuminated the room, waking Anjo and Claar up.

    After tossing and turning, the pair eventually woke up.

    ¡°Anjo,¡± Claar said, gaining the man¡¯s attention, ¡°can you get my clothes?¡±

    Anjo groaned before getting up and walking towards the cabinet. Standing in front of it, he picked up a long blue linen dress and threw it at Claar before grabbing a light blue shirt and yesterday¡¯s pants.

    Brushing off dust from their clothes, the pair each put on their garments.

    Claar secured her dress around her waist with a woven, braided belt before walking to Anjo and lightly slapping the back of his head, saying, ¡°Don¡¯t throw it; it gets dust all over it.¡± She then left the room, closing the door behind her, leaving the man thinking to himself, It doesn¡¯t matter.

    Quickly going down the stairs Anjo saw his grandfather, who slowly got up from his chair, calling to Anjo, ¡°Heynrike and your sister already left, we need to go,¡± referring to his son, Anjo and Claar¡¯s father.

    ¡°I know, I¡¯m just getting an egg,¡± Anjo replied before quickly brushing his teeth with a wet linen rag. He then opened a small bag left on the table, took out a boiled egg, and began eating it.

    After closing the door behind them, the pair walked along a dirt path towards the village¡¯s church, passing by their neighbours¡¯ houses and the merchants¡¯ guild post.

    The breeze carried the pleasant smell of morning dew to their noses.

    The pleasant silence was suddenly interrupted by Anjo¡¯s grandfather, who said, ¡°She should be grateful. I¡¯m worried about her,¡± gaining Anjo¡¯s attention.

    Taking a deep breath, Anjo stopped in his tracks, saying, ¡°Please, just stop bringing it up.¡±

    ¡°Are you not worried?¡± his grandfather asked, his tone filled with confusion.

    ¡°Not really. I don¡¯t get why you do,¡± Anjo replied, his exhaustion from the topic clear.

    ¡°I told you when you were younger, everyone needs a partner. It¡¯s how you find happiness.¡±

    ¡°I guess,¡± Anjo said, his tone nearly silent.

    Silence settled once again between the two men, who walked for only a few more seconds before turning right towards the village¡¯s church.

    As the pair arrived at the village¡¯s northern border and walked towards the church, the village¡¯s farmland and barn stood quietly behind them.

    The church¡¯s bricks, though their signature red color had long faded, stood strong, supporting both the building and the people¡¯s faith.

    A wooden wheel hung above the church¡¯s doors, with another mounted atop its small bell tower.

    Built into the outer nave wall was a small well, providing clean water to the village residents.

    Entering the church, the pair waved to the elderly, bald priest standing at the altar. He wore a well-kept black cassock over a white alb and a short, sky-blue chasuble. The priest waved back at them in return.

    After the pair sat on the pews with the rest of the few dozen village inhabitants, the priest motioned to the young nun beside him to start playing her wooden flute. She nodded and began to play a quiet, pleasant melody.

    As she played, the priest began his sermon, reciting passages from the holy scripture and relating them to the duchy¡¯s expanding tulip market, capturing the villagers¡¯ attention and reverence.

    The church¡¯s atmosphere was quiet yet joyful. The sun¡¯s rays, entering through the bell tower¡¯s window, illuminated its altar with a near-golden light, as if blessing the village¡¯s people themselves.

    As the priest finished his sermon, Anjo¡¯s grandfather turned to his grandson and pointed at the young nun.

    She wore a grayish-white veil over her hair and a slightly worn robe that covered her body from neck to ankles, tied around her waist by a cincture. A wooden pendant, shaped like a wheel, hung from a cord around her neck.

    Her dark green eyes sparkled with excitement as she turned to talk to Claar, who sat in the pew in front of Anjo.

    Her fair skin seemed to glow under the morning light, and to Anjo, the freckles around her buttoned nose appeared to shift as she talked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think Lidwina would be good for you?¡± Anjo¡¯s grandfather asked, referring to the young nun, before adding, ¡°She¡¯s a good girl. Maybe she¡¯ll even get you out of this phase.¡±

    It doesn¡¯t matter, Anjo thought to himself. Taking a deep breath, he quietly whispered to his grandfather, ¡°She¡¯s a nun.¡±

    ¡°So? People come together from everywhere,¡± his grandfather rebutted.

    Slightly shocked yet not surprised, Anjo replied, his exhaustion clear in his tone, ¡°She¡¯s a nun. It doesn¡¯t matter if I even like her¡ªwhich I don¡¯t¡ªbecause she chose to never be in a relationship. I don¡¯t get why you even bring it up.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m really worried about you,¡± his grandfather said. ¡°You still look like a girl. I know you think you look pretty, but it¡¯s not good for you.¡±

    ¡°I think he looks wonderful,¡± the young nun said, standing at the side of their pew, having arrived without the pair noticing. ¡°Good morning, Anjo, Giel,¡± she added, handing each a large piece of bread and a cup of wine.

    Letting the pair eat and drink before resuming the conversation.

    ¡°Good morning, Lid,¡± Anjo replied. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Lidwina said, smiling. She then turned to Giel and, in an acidic tone, added, ¡°Please stop talking about it with Claar too. It¡¯s really irritating.¡±

    ¡°I promise you, I didn¡¯t mean to be,¡± Giel said, his sincerity clear in his tone. ¡°I just want to see them happy with someone at their side. Maybe even you and Anjo could¡ª¡±

    ¡°Never.¡±

    Her reply was as clear as the water from the church¡¯s well.

    An awkward silence fell between the two men and the nun before she stepped back and said with a forced smile, ¡°I think Father Bernold is calling me, so I really have to go.¡±

    The pair silently nodded before standing and walking towards the church doors.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you at lunch, Anjo. Goodbye, Giel,¡± Lidwina said.

    Turning to her, Anjo noticed her forced smile was long gone, now replaced with a look of annoyance directed at his grandfather.

    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to him,¡± Anjo said quietly, his demeanor slightly sheepish.

    Leaving the church, Anjo turned to Giel, saying, ¡°You¡¯re going to watch the kids?¡± His grandfather silently nodded.

    ¡°Why are you doing this? Genuinely, I don¡¯t get it. Claar is tired of it, and honestly, I am too.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand why you¡¯re not worried. I see both of you living without anyone by your side, and it breaks my heart,¡± Giel said, his voice slightly broken.

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand why you¡¯re doing this. I¡¯m trying to help you, and all you¡¯re doing is saying no. Why can¡¯t you listen?¡±

    A deathly silence took hold of the pair, neither uttering a single word. Only the sound of the wind passing by the village¡¯s fields could be heard.

    Suddenly, a sentence left the old man¡¯s mouth; ¡°I¡¯m going to watch the kids. That house is dangerous.¡± His exhaustion was clear to Anjo, who nodded as he turned towards the villagers¡¯ houses and began walking towards them.

    Each of the men was unsure of what needed to be said, even more uncertain if there was anything to say at all.

    Entering his home, Anjo called for his father and sister, yet no one answered.

    Quickly heading to the second floor, he entered his room and changed into yesterday¡¯s garments.

    Returning to the first floor, he met Heynrike and Claar, before greeting each other.

    After waiting for Claar to head up the stairs, Anjo turned to his father and quietly asked, ¡°Why is Grandpa like this?¡±Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    ¡°I¡­¡± Heynrike quietly sat down, gesturing for Anjo to do the same. ¡°It¡¯s hard to talk to him, I know. You just need to be gentle about it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I asked,¡± Anjo replied, his confusion evident in his tone.

    ¡°I know, I know. It¡¯s just¡­¡± Heynrike leaned back in his chair and took a deep breath before saying, ¡°He doesn¡¯t know any better. That¡¯s the way he is. Do you think he didn¡¯t talk to me like that?¡±

    ¡°He should know better! Every evening, I feel like my head is about to explode because of him and Claar!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t yell,¡± Heynrike¡¯s gentle tone was now gone, replaced with a harsh one that made Anjo slightly lower his head, avoiding his father¡¯s gaze. ¡°I didn¡¯t yell at you, so don¡¯t do it to me.¡±

    After nodding his head in silent agreement, Anjo and Heynrike noticed Claar walking down the stairs, wearing yesterday¡¯s garments with her sleeves now folded.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to the field. Are you coming?¡± Claar asked, turning to Anjo, who quietly replied, ¡°I¡¯m cleaning the bones.¡±

    ¡°Fine,¡± she replied before walking towards the house entrance and opening the door. ¡°Are you coming, Dad?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Heynrike replied. ¡°I¡¯m going to the guild post. I still need to sort out some things with them and Eerwyn about Anjo¡¯s teacher.¡±

    Claar nodded before closing the door behind her, leaving the two men inside.

    A moment of silence hung between them, suddenly broken by Heynrike uttering a single sentence: ¡°Just think about what I said.¡± receiving a nod from Anjo in response.

    After closing the door behind his father, Anjo returned to the table, silently cleaning the bones laid in the oak bowl before him with a linen rag.

    His mind grew silent, slowly gathering thoughts, each disappearing as quickly as it arose¡ªexcept for one, which resonated within him.

    It doesn¡¯t matter.

    After thoroughly cleaning the bones and laying them on the table, the sound of a ringing bell reached Anjo¡¯s ears.

    Taking a deep breath, a sense of dread and slight excitement settled within him.

    Leaving the house, Anjo walked towards the church as the early noon sun found its place in the sky¡¯s center, shining over the village¡¯s fields.

    In front of the church stood four large wooden tables, each filled with cooked fish from the nearby river, bread made from the village¡¯s wheat, and barrels of wine brought from the merchants¡¯ guild post.

    A two-story warehouse, its walls were made of sunset-crimson-colored clay bricks, now painted a dark green, with its roof adorned by red clay tiles and a chimney connected to a hearth in the back.

    An iron sign featuring a balanced scale stood above its two oak doors, displaying the merchants¡¯ guild symbol.

    Passing by it, Anjo noticed his father talking to an elderly man and a young woman about his age, each adorned with a yellow scarf.

    Edenites? Anjo thought to himself for a moment before arriving at the tables. After getting seated between Claar and Lidwina and in front of his grandfather, he settled into place.

    After a short prayer, the village denizens began eating their lunch. Slowly, they started conversing with each other, each seemingly shifting within seconds from one conversation to another, all seemingly ignored by Anjo.

    ¡°Why did you bring them here, Eerwyn?¡± Giel asked the merchant sitting beside him. ¡°Do you really want Anjo to be around zios?¡± he added, gaining both the merchant¡¯s and Anjo¡¯s attention.

    ¡°Stranddam had a pogrom, and they needed help finding somewhere to live. Oser is going to be his teacher. He¡¯s a good teacher; I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll like him if you get to know him,¡± Eerwyn replied, his tone gentle yet slightly annoyed. Wearing a black leather jacket and black linen pants, his status was clear to the village residents.

    His fair skin and blue eyes appeared darker under the church¡¯s shadow.

    He then added, ¡°And don¡¯t forget that Heynrike is the one who asked me to find Anjo a teacher.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t have to get a zio. Who knows what they would do to him?¡± Giel¡¯s suspicion was clear to all who could hear.

    It doesn¡¯t matter.

    ¡°He already looks like a girl, and this is what you do to help? I can¡¯t believe I thought you and Claar would be a good match.¡± His frustration was clear to Anjo.

    It doesn¡¯t matter.

    ¡°Don¡¯t even start!¡± Claar yelled, igniting a fight between her and Giel once again. Their argument was deafening to Anjo¡¯s ears, prompting him to lower his head.

    It doesn¡¯t matter. It doesn¡¯t matter. It doesn¡¯t matter.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter¡­¡± Anjo¡¯s tone was nearly silent, heard only by Lidwina, who turned her gaze towards him in surprise.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter!¡± Anjo screamed.

    A deafening silence fell between Claar and Giel, each of them unsure of what they had heard.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if I look like a girl, it doesn¡¯t matter if my teacher will be an Edenite, and it doesn¡¯t matter if Claar won¡¯t get married!¡± His voice was filled with frustration and fear.

    Silence once again took hold.

    With each breath Anjo took, his body felt weaker, unsure if he made a mistake. His head felt light, Only his scrambled thoughts echoed in his mind.

    The silence suddenly broke as Lidwina spoke in an impatient tone, glaring at Giel. ¡°I think Anjo needs some rest. We¡¯re going inside; he¡¯ll be back later.¡±

    After quickly grabbing a few slices of bread and a bowl filled with chopped salted trout, she grabbed Anjo by the sleeve and led him towards the church.

    After closing the wooden door behind them, the nun turned to Anjo, cheerfully saying, ¡°Good job! Maybe he¡¯ll actually leave you alone for once now.¡± Her giggling laughter was barely heard by Anjo.

    ¡°I thought you¡¯d hate them,¡± Anjo said while sitting in the front pew.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± asked Lidwina.

    ¡°The Edenites. I don¡¯t mind them that much, but shouldn¡¯t you be with Grandpa on that one?¡± His confusion was clear to the nun.

    ¡°I¡¯m not thrilled that they¡¯re here, but I¡¯m not an inquisitor,¡± Lidwina replied before quietly adding, ¡°And it¡¯d be nice to have someone else annoy Giel.¡±

    The pair giggled before Anjo spoke once again, ¡°I don¡¯t want to hurt him, but it¡¯s just so annoying when he¡¯s like that.¡±

    Lidwina replied, ¡°That¡¯s what you have Claar for. She helps with him, no?¡±

    ¡°You call getting into screaming matches with him every day helping?¡±

    ¡°Look who¡¯s talking!¡± the nun replied in a sharp tone. ¡°Maybe you should replace Claar in those screaming matches.¡±

    ¡°Very funny, now please lower your voice so I could actually get some rest,¡± Anjo said while laying down on the pew and lightly pushing away Lidwina with his leg.

    ¡°Fine, but I¡¯ll practice my flute later, so be prepared to wake up,¡± Lidwina replied. Anjo nodded before drifting off into a nap.

    As the sun moved closer to the village¡¯s edge, more of the villagers returned to their homes, some watching above as the sun pulled a crimson veil across the sky, inviting the night.

    After dreaming of distant lands from the stories in the holy scripture, Anjo was eventually awakened by a quiet flute melody.

    After stretching his body, Anjo sat back up and noticed Claar sitting next to Lidwina, listening to the nun play a gentle melody on her flute.

    Silently walking towards the pair, Anjo noticed a light blue Amu-styled sash tied around Claar¡¯s waist. Small, intricate designs were woven into the sash, featuring a myriad of equilateral triangles along its edges.

    ¡°So, you finally became an inquisitor?¡± Anjo asked, jokingly referring to Claar¡¯s sash, its Amu design closely resembling the sashes worn by inquisitors. ¡°Maybe Grandpa will finally leave you alone now.¡±

    Quickly understanding Anjo¡¯s reference, Claar retorted, ¡°Hilarious. Now finish eating; we¡¯re going to meet your teacher.¡±

    She then stood up, stretched her body, and added, ¡°Eerwyn gave it to me, and personally, I think it complements me.¡±

    ¡°It looks nice. Can I borrow it for tomorrow?¡± Anjo asked before quickly shoving the slightly stale bread and cold salted trout into his mouth.

    Raising an eyebrow in confusion, Claar asked in turn, ¡°You know Grandpa will annoy you about it, right?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯ll live,¡± Lidwina interjected, her tone filled with frustration. Now standing up, she put her flute aside and took a step closer to Claar, inspecting her sash.

    ¡°If he tries anything, I¡¯ll tell him to shut up again.¡±

    Mumbling with his mouth full, Anjo seemingly thanked the nun, receiving in return a playful laugh from her and his sister.

    After brushing crumbs off himself, Anjo signaled to Claar towards the exit.

    Saying goodbye to Lidwina, the pair left the church as Claar said to Anjo, ¡°Before I forget, after you meet your teacher, Dad wanted to talk to you about something.¡±

    To which he responded with only a hollow nod.

    ¡°It¡¯s not something bad; he just wants to make sure you¡¯re fine,¡± she added, making Anjo¡¯s eyes widen slightly in surprise as a faint smile spread across his lips.

    Walking towards the village¡¯s merchants¡¯ guild, Anjo noticed the Edenite woman from the morning standing next to its doors.

    She wore a long brown skirt with a loose orange linen shirt above it, with a distinct swirly pattern woven in red strings into its folded sleeves.

    Her long, curly black hair was tied in a loose bun. Her gray eyes brightened as she noticed the pair approaching. A gentle smile spread across her thin lips beneath her button-like nose.

    Wearing a yellow scarf around her neck, Anjo recognized it as a distinct marker separating them from the Matronites, identifying them as those who rejected the holy scripture.

    ¡°Anjo, this is Belle,¡± Claar said, introducing the Edenite woman, who in turn said, ¡°Nice to meet you.¡± Her gentle voice made Anjo¡¯s heart flutter.

    Nodding, Anjo attempted to hide his blush from the two women but was noticed by Claar.

    Taking a breath, the woman spoke once again in the same gentle tone, ¡°We¡¯ll start your viol lessons tomorrow after your church morning thing.¡±

    Slightly confused, Anjo asked, ¡°I thought the man who came with you would be my teacher,¡± before adding, ¡°And it¡¯s a Laud, not a ¡¯morning thing.¡¯¡±

    ¡°Right, right,¡± Belle replied dismissively before taking a step forward and adding, ¡°My grandpa isn¡¯t really¡­ available right now, but I promise you I¡¯ll be more than enough.¡± Her pride was clear in her tone.

    She then clapped her hands together and said, ¡°It was nice meeting you, but from what Claar told me, you have a busy day, so we¡¯ll have to continue tomorrow.¡±

    Noticing a hurriedness in her tone, Anjo nodded once again before turning towards the dirt road and departing silently, while Claar stayed behind, conversing with the Edenite woman.

    Entering his home, Anjo noticed Heynrike sitting in the kitchen near the hearth, with a wooden chair placed in front of him.

    While closing the door behind him, Anjo heard his father say, ¡°We need to talk,¡± slightly startling him.

    Now sitting in front of his father, Anjo remained sheepishly silent as Heynrike began lecturing him.

    While barely listening, one sentence from his father stuck in his mind: ¡°I know it was hard to talk to him like that, believe me, and I trust you. So just trust me as well.¡±

    A moment of silence resonated between the two men, only to be suddenly broken by Claar opening the door and marching towards Heynrike and Giel¡¯s room without saying a word to them.

    After slamming the door behind her, Heynrike spoke once more: ¡°I don¡¯t mean to hurt you. I hope you at least know that.¡±

    ¡°I know. I just don¡¯t want either me or Claar to walk on eggshells when we¡¯re with him,¡± Anjo replied, still not meeting his father¡¯s gaze.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t¡­ you just¡­¡± Heynrike uttered, seemingly unsure of what to say. ¡°He¡¯s from a different generation. He doesn¡¯t know any better.¡±

    ¡°He should know better!¡± Anjo retorted. ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be our responsibility to get him to stop annoying Claar!¡±

    ¡°It isn¡¯t. Just listen to me for a minute,¡± Heynrike said before taking a deep breath and adding, ¡°It¡¯s not anyone¡¯s responsibility, but unless you tell people what they¡¯re doing wrong, they won¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°But she does! Every single day!¡± Anjo yelled.

    ¡°Why are you yelling? I¡¯m trying to have a conversation with you,¡± Anjo¡¯s father said, his tone remaining gentle.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Anjo replied in a sheepish tone.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, I¡¯m just¡­¡± Heynrike started to say, seemingly unsure of what to add. ¡°I¡¯m trying to help all of you, but it¡¯s hard when Claar and your grandpa are so¡­ inflexible.¡±

    ¡°I just want him to stop. I don¡¯t want to hear them argue every day,¡±

    ¡°They¡¯ll find something else to argue about, but I understand your point,¡± his father said, making Anjo¡¯s eyes widen in surprise. ¡°Just try to see that he cares; he just has a bad way of showing it.¡±

    ¡°I guess,¡± Anjo replied, now speaking in a slightly hopeful tone. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to him.¡±

    ¡°Good. I¡¯m proud of you.¡±

    The pair then hugged while Claar exited the room and disappeared up the stairs, saying sharply, ¡°Just tell me when dinner¡¯s ready.¡±

    Leaving the two men feeling slightly nervous, Heynrike said, ¡°I¡¯ll start making dinner. I know you can talk to him by yourself.¡±

    Anjo nodded before quickly setting the table. A thought sprang into his head as he finished: I can do it.

    Entering his grandfather¡¯s and father¡¯s room, he said to Giel, ¡°We need to talk.¡±

    The room was small, with only a wooden table, a candle, and a copy of the holy scripture laid on it. Two beds were positioned on opposite sides of the room.

    Sitting on the bed opposite his grandfather¡¯s, Anjo asked, ¡°Are you happy now?¡±

    ¡°She should be grateful,¡± Giel replied. ¡°I¡¯m trying to help, and all I get in return is her screaming.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t victimize yourself. You know exactly what you¡¯re doing,¡± Anjo retorted.

    ¡°I¡¯m trying to help,¡± Giel said once more.

    ¡°But you don¡¯t! You¡¯re just hurting her! Why do you keep doing it?¡± Anjo yelled. ¡°Just¡­ she doesn¡¯t want to get married. I really don¡¯t see why it¡¯s bothering you.¡±

    ¡°So, do you want her to be like me?¡± his grandfather retorted quietly.

    Silence took hold of Anjo¡¯s mind, unsure of what to say, or even if there was anything to say.

    ¡°I feel lonely, and I don¡¯t want her to be the same,¡± Giel said.

    A moment of silence hung between the two men, each lost in thought.

    Finally, a single question left Anjo¡¯s lips. ¡°Are you really lonely?¡±

    ¡°Of course I am. I¡¯ve felt that way since your grandma passed away,¡± Giel replied, his voice trembling.

    ¡°But you¡¯re not alone. You have me, Dad, and Claar. You never were,¡± Anjo said, slightly confused, trying to comfort his grandfather.

    ¡°It¡¯s not the same. You¡¯re still young, so you don¡¯t get it, but it¡¯s a kind of love you can¡¯t live without.¡±

    ¡°Well, Claar can,¡± Anjo said, attempting to reach his grandfather¡¯s heart. ¡°And if you want her to keep loving you, you¡¯re going to need to accept it.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand why she¡¯s like that,¡± Giel said. ¡°I¡¯m trying to help.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to understand why she¡¯s like that; you just need to accept her,¡± Anjo said. He got up and sat on his grandfather¡¯s bed. ¡°If you really want to help her, then show her that you can accept her for who she is.¡±

    A moment of silent contemplation passed between the two men, broken by a pair of words from Giel: ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡±

    ¡°Great. I love you,¡± Anjo said, hugging his grandfather.

    ¡°I love you too,¡± Giel replied, hugging him back.

    Exiting the room, the men entered the living room, now lit only by the glow of the house¡¯s hearth under the dark, star-filled sky.

    On the table lay four bowls of stamppot, each adorned with a few pinches of salt.

    Now seated at the table with Claar, his father, and Giel, Anjo recited a short prayer before starting to eat.

    After waiting a few moments for silence to settle, Anjo turned to his sister, ¡°Claar, there¡¯s something Grandpa wants to tell you.¡±

    Claar lifted her head slightly, her gaze now fixed directly on Giel, ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Giel said, lowering his head slightly in shame. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to hurt you. I¡¯m just worried about you. I can¡¯t say that I understand you, but I won¡¯t bother you about getting married anymore.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Claar said, though neither Anjo nor Giel knew to whom it was directed.

    The silence that settled in the room was suddenly broken by Giel, who said, ¡°Eerwyn should¡¯ve brought you a jacket. It¡¯s too cold for just a sash¡­¡±

    ¡°Just shut up!¡± Claar retorted, before starting to argue with her grandpa once again.

    The sound of their argument was deafening to Anjo¡¯s ears, yet familiar.

    Feeling his father lightly kick his leg under the table, Anjo turned his attention towards Heynrike, who quietly said, ¡°I told you they¡¯d find something else to argue about,¡± making the two men laugh silently.

    After finishing dinner, Claar and Giel each went into their respective rooms, leaving Anjo and Heynrike to clean up the table.

    Heynrike then turned to Anjo, saying, ¡°I told you they¡¯d find something else to argue about.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Anjo replied.

    The pair laughed, then hugged before parting to their respective bedrooms, each wishing the other a good night.

    Entering his room, Anjo found his sister lying on her bed in her undergarments.

    After removing his shirt, leaving him in his undergarments and undershirt, he lay down on his bed and asked Claar, ¡°Can I borrow your sash for tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Sure, for your new teacher?¡± she asked in return, causing Anjo to blush slightly.

    ¡°Yes, I want to make a good first impression,¡± he answered quietly.

    ¡°If you really want to make a good first impression, you should take a shower first.¡±

    ¡°I know, I was going to do it,¡± Anjo retorted, trying to brush her off.

    Claar chuckled before wishing Anjo a good night and falling asleep.

    Turning towards the wall, Anjo quietly wished his sister a good night and fell asleep.

    After the night passed, the sun rose from the north once again, signaling the morning¡¯s arrival. Its light shone through the window, illuminating the room and waking the siblings.

    The pair groaned before getting up and walking towards the cabinet. Standing in front of it, Claar picked up a long blue linen dress, then turned around and secured it around her waist with a woven, braided belt.

    Grabbing a light blue shirt and the previous day¡¯s pants, Anjo waved them in front of him, brushing off any dust.

    ¡°Try not to get any wrinkles on it,¡± Claar said, pointing at the sash before leaving the room and closing the door behind her.

    After finishing dressing, Anjo carefully folded the sash and stuffed it inside his shirt before heading down the stairs to meet his grandfather.

    After brushing his teeth with a wet linen rag, Anjo rushed out of the house with Giel, quickly closing the door behind them. The pair then walked along a dirt path towards the village¡¯s church.

    Upon entering the church, the pair waved to the elderly, bald priest standing at the altar, who waved back in return.

    Once they sat on the pews with the rest of the villagers, the priest motioned to Lidwina to begin playing her wooden flute. She nodded and started playing a quiet, pleasant melody as he commenced the sermon.

    Barely listening to the priest¡¯s words, Anjo¡¯s mind was filled with thoughts about the day¡¯s lesson.

    After the sermon ended, Anjo quickly grabbed the bread handed to him by Lidwina before exiting the building, thanking her as he departed with his grandfather and sister.

    Walking around to the church¡¯s well, Anjo grabbed a small wooden bucket and a linen towel. He filled the bucket with water before walking behind the church.

    Taking off his clothes, he dipped the cloth towel into the water-filled bucket, quickly washing his thin body and hair before drying himself with his shirt.

    After quickly putting his clothes back on, he tied his sister¡¯s sash around his waist, making sure it wasn¡¯t wrinkled.

    Making sure he looked presentable, Anjo started walking towards the merchant¡¯s guild post. His excitement made him feel as if his heart beat faster with each step he took.

    Standing in front of the door, he suddenly heard a gentle melody, each note carrying a slight weight.

    Silently opening the door, he saw Belle sitting on a wooden chest, playing her viol with closed eyes, while Oser tapped his legs to the melody¡¯s tune.

    Watching her silently from afar made Anjo¡¯s heart skip a beat, his cheeks flushing red.

    When he took a step forward, the Edenite woman in front of him heard the sound, stopping her viol and opening her eyes to stare at him.

    She stood up and walked toward Anjo, who remained silent, while her grandfather stepped into another room.

    Now standing in front of him, Belle greeted him with a bright smile. ¡°Welcome. We¡¯ll start in just a bit¡ªthere are a few things I wanted to discuss.¡±

    Anjo nodded in response.

    Walking back to the wooden chest Belle sat on it once again before tapping on a slightly taller wooden box lying near her, offering Anjo a seat.

    After the pair sat down, Belle turned towards Anjo, slightly looking up, and asked, ¡°So why do you want to learn to play the viol?¡±

    Thinking for a moment, Anjo replied with slight nervousness in his tone, ¡°I¡¯ve always liked music, and my dad suggested that I learn to play something. After that, he talked to Eerwyn, who said he knew a viol player.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Belle replied. ¡°You know that the lessons I give aren¡¯t free, right? I¡¯m grateful to Eerwyn for letting us stay here, but we still need to fund our stay.¡± Her gentle tone conflicted with the practicality of her words.

    ¡°I know. It¡¯s something Eerwyn talked about with me before he went to Stranddam to pick you up,¡± Anjo replied, before adding, ¡°He said that once a month, I would go with him to other cities and play for a few people he knows. A part of the money they¡¯ll give me will go to you.¡±

    Covering her mouth with her right palm, Belle mumbled to herself, her words barely audible to Anjo. He only caught a single comment: ¡°Did Grandpa talk to him about it?¡±

    Anjo asked, ¡°Is something wrong?¡±

    To which Belle answered, ¡°Nothing, just something I need to think about.¡± Her lie was obvious to Anjo, who stayed silent as she added, ¡°So, my lessons will be for you to become a bard?¡±

    ¡°Something like that,¡± Anjo replied.

    ¡°I see. Well¡­¡± Belle said, grabbing her viol and standing up in front of Anjo. ¡°If I see that you have real passion for it, I might even teach you some of my own songs.¡±

    ¡°You write your own songs?¡± he asked, his curiosity clear to Belle.

    ¡°A few¡ªmostly just revised versions of folk songs. Hopefully, you¡¯ll like them enough to actually learn them,¡± she replied, her giggle making Anjo¡¯s heart flutter.

    Straightening her legs, she took a stance fit for an experienced musician, gaining Anjo¡¯s full attention. He stood up to face her and said, ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡±

    The Edenite woman smiled brightly and said, ¡°Let¡¯s begin.¡±