Ojtejk La’Dwa ab Jujnis, 2997
Another curious day to recall. First it started with waking to Kimaris helping with breakfast. In the times I’ve traveled with him, never has he so much as lifted a finger to help with camp. I watched him as he and Fern worked together over the fire. As I brushed my hair, I noticed the boy walk over to Bordel and converse for a bit. His face was rather solemn, if not serious.
Once I was properly dressed, I joined the lot around the fire. That was when Kimaris presented me a bouquet of daisies. More surprisingly, he said sorry. That was something I thought he’d never say, I having accepted his interest in teaching me to fight as his apology. I’m not sure if I’m being a fool by believing his sincerity, but there was something about his eyes, and the fact he was acting very different than usual, that convinced me to give him a chance.
Though breakfast was less than satisfactory, it wasn’t the worst meal I’ve eaten. Soon we were well on our way toward Ruebis. While we walked, I explained what my plan was for retrieving the journals. The bottom line was getting me into my mother’s home without being caught. Doing so would involve Kimaris presenting himself as a noble in his rich dress. The boy, who I thought would have taken serious pride in being the center of attention, mentioned he’d rather find a new outfit, for the current was too grand for him.
Again, I was very surprised by the change of heart I was seeing, but I encouraged him to enjoy the outfit long enough to get me into my mother’s home. Bordel would play the part as his guard, Fern and I as his handmaids, and Oda as the scout. The Halfling had some objection to being a handmaid, she not looking the part, but I told her the idea mainly is to present ourselves as workers for Kimaris.
“But, what am I even to say?” the boy asked.
“Let alone, do you really think we’d be able to convince anyone with your plan?” Bordel questioned.
I explained that all we’d need to do is have Kimaris simply state that he had come on behalf of Lord Remus Trophe to discuss matters of trade with Lady Belrue. They were quite skeptical, but I assured them that quite often people were coming and going on matters of trade with my family. My father was responsible for the treasuries and with that came the overseeing of commerce.
As we discussed, Oda pointed out smoke in the distance. Kimaris, with Fern’s bird, went off to investigate. I was impressed how fast the boy could run. About ten minutes later, Fern informed us we needed to go check the place out. It sounded to have been a raided settlement.
When we arrived, the small village certainly was in disarray. Bordel went to find Kimaris while I followed Fern to the well. Her bird was concerned by it, and good reason, though I wish we hadn’t investigated it.
Once the Halfling and I drew close to the well, a toy bear began to call out to us, asking for it’s mommy. Actually, it was addressing Fern specifically. The voice became more urgent as she mentioned how cold and wet she was.
“Daddy put me in the well. Where’s my mommy?” the teddy bear lamented. I had barely begun to think about searching the well when Kimaris disappeared over the edge. I called after him and a moment later, as all of us (including Bordel) leaned over to see, heard the boy announce he had the girl.
Quickly we got Kimaris out. He laid the bluish girl on the ground and suddenly I had to stop. I went to touch her cold face when my mind was flooded with the injustice that she wasn’t Exalted and the fact that she appeared to be around Araja’s age. Rapidly I walked away, walking toward the house to brace myself. I had hoped the others would have left me be, but Kimaris was next to me asking what was wrong.
“The little girl reminded me of someone. A painful memory to recall.”
His response: "I understand."
Kimaris then left me alone.
I had regained my nerves by the time the others had finished dealing with the possessed teddy bear and burying the girl. I was more than ready to go, my home town not seeming as daunting after that. Yet approaching the gates proved long enough to get my nerves going again. Thankfully Kimaris stated the intent of our stay as planned and we were allowed entrance without further squabble.
As we walked along, Fernwood insisted a stop at the money exchanger. Unfortunately my older brother happened to be heading in. I barely managed to jump behind Bordel and Kimaris to evade him. As we waited on Fern, I explained to the men why I jumped so.
The Halfling returned shortly, pointing out she met with my relation. I not caring, other than getting off the streets, then directed the group to the Boar’s Head Inn. It wasn’t as fine as the Golden Swan, but people would have recognized me there. Plus we couldn’t pull off our story of being a noble party if we stayed in anything less than the finer Inns.
Bordel got Kimaris and myself a room, I being his handmaiden, which I will admit put a blush in my cheeks. But I wasn’t afraid either. The whole morning Kimaris has been so different. It’s hard to believe it was only yesterday he had hurt me so.
Fernwood and Oda got a room together, breaking the group up so as to draw less attention to ourselves, but I have yet to see them. So far it’s been just me and Kimaris in our room. I am trying very hard not to take it in too much. The warm room, chairs to sit in, and soon lunch to be on it’s way, all fond reminders of my past life.
Something else to note about Kimaris, he’s younger... As Bordel left us in the room to go settle himself in next door and fetch our afternoon meal, I tried making small talk with Kimaris, but he was already in a corner pouting. I asked what was wrong and he mentioned feeling ashamed.
I was taken aback at the remorse he had. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I felt something. And so I patted his shoulder, telling him that we all make mistakes. He looked me in the eyes and, who I thought was my age, looked much younger. A sting of disappointment that I was developing feelings for a young boy shot through me. I can only hope my smile didn’t falter.
Then again... isn’t Kimaris suppose to be older than me? Even if that were so, I don’t think it wise to think of him any more than a friend. Maybe a brother... it’s all rather confusing...
Well, to show I held no ill feelings toward him, I found a cup of water and placed the daisies Kimaris gave me that morning in it. It was quite thoughtful of him to even consider such a peace offering.
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