Elise was rocking in her chair, watching the children play at their new home, when Sarina waltzed into the room. Sasha followed behind her with a tray in her hands, a tea set resting on top. Elise turned her head as Sasha placed the tray on the table.
"Sasha, dear." Her eyes traveled over Sasha's figure. This poor girl, to suffer such a fate.
"Yes, Lady Elise?" Sasha stayed motionless to the side of the room as they spoke.
"How are your injuries? Are they healing well?" Elise took a sip from her tea, ignoring Sarina's presence. Sasha's breath hitched for a second, her hand traveling to her left eye. The rough cloth texture remained a reminder of what she had survived.
Elise's eyes narrowed at Sarina, letting the air leave as she breathed out. What a troublesome woman. "So what brings you here, Sarina?"
"Do I need a reason to visit an old friend? How cold of you Elise." Sarina feigned to be hurt, clutching at her heart.
"Oh don't you dare try and give me that act you old hag!"
"Hag!? I'll have you know I'm young, beautiful, and in my prime!" Sarina retorted.
Elise's snapback was swift. "HAH! If that's your prime, I'd hate to imagine you in old age!"
She leaned back in her chair, taking another sip of her tea. "So what did you really come here for?"
Sarina let her cheerful mask finally slip free, a stone faced expression now setting the mood. "Something has shifted. No, perhaps beginning to move is a better way to say it. Regardless, I can no longer stay still."
She turned to leave the room, motioning Sasha to follow as she opened the door. As she tried to step through the doorway, she felt an invisible wall stop her. "Elise! You damned Witch! What are you playing at?"
The old lady behind them merely chuckled. "Oh, I'm not playing at anything. However, I can't allow you to leave right now."
The barrier closed slightly, forcing the duo back into the room with the door slamming shut behind them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aurora awoke, grunting as she attempted to sit up. Despite having been healed by a priest, it was only until the bleeding had stopped. The scars from the attack still remained, something that could take weeks to heal. Of course, this had to happen now and delay our journey.
Camilla was not in the room when she woke up, her missing gear clear evidence of that fact. Aurora struggled to slowly get out of bed, almost falling down more than once. After a grueling three minutes, braced with her hands against the wall, she finally stood.
Her laboured breath was the only sound that filled the space. Shit! I won't even be able to dress myself at this rate. I can't rely on Camilla to just sit here and babysit me. We'll never make the money to leave if we do that.
Conflicting feelings battled inside her as she stood there. On one hand, desiring to be dotted on, yet on the other, she didn't want to be a burden. She started to hobble over towards the wardrobe, nearly tripping over her own feet. Just the simple act of walking ten feet left her panting.
Dammit! This just keeps getting worse and worse! She slid to her knees, tears staining her cheeks, as she clutched her arms around her chest. She broke down as she had never felt so helpless in the last thirty years of her life. The sounds of her pain could be heard by the other residents for the next few hours.
~~~~~~~~~~
While Aurora was having her mental breakdown, Camilla was currently strolling through a blacksmith's shop. She examined several utility items that could prove useful to their party going forward. Smoke canisters, hardened rope, and small weighted nets among other things, were displayed.
All of these could be essential… but which to buy with our budget? Camilla nibbled on the tip of her thumb as she considered the pros and cons of each. She decided to get a small length of rope, four canisters, and two nets.
The blacksmith returned with a new leather chestpiece, to replace Aurora's damaged one, and Camilla's upgraded armor set. Instead of the chain mail she wore before, the plate armor set offered her more protection.
"Take a good look at 'er. Some of my best work. Scaled mail shorts. A drake leather bodice. Steel pauldrons, greaves, and bracers. I also added a small sheet around the front and back of where yer stomach will be." The blacksmith described the work in detail, clearly proud of his work.
"Thank you, it's exactly what I needed."
She went to pay, but the blacksmith refused, stating he was just paying back a favor to the Blackwood's. She reminded herself to thank Lord Blackwood for cashing in this favor to help them. With the armor packed up she arranged for it to be sent to her inn later that day.
She chose to go for a stroll through the market to get some air before returning back to the inn. Perhaps I could get my girlfriend a gift to cheer her up! With this idea in mind she made her way from stall to stall, looking at every option possible. Bead necklaces, small statues, wood carvings, small mirrors, paintings, and even unique clothing.
Once she had looked at all her options, she decided to get her a magenta summer dress. She paid the stall owner and left the market, wandering through the streets until she wound up at the central plaza. A magnificent four layered stone fountain resting in the middle.
Why is there such a massive fountain here? Isn't that just a waste of money? She shook her head and turned to leave, bumping into someone and causing them to fall over.
"Ouch. That was rather rude, Camilla~" There, sitting on the ground, was the pink haired witch herself. Camilla blinked a few times and rolled her eyes, yet made no move to help her stand.
"What are you doing out here, Mel? I doubt it's just a coincidence we happened to run into each other." She shifted the bag in her arms.
"Hmph, not even a "sorry" from you. How cruel~." She slowly rose and patted off her behind.
"Cut to the chase. It's obvious you want something. After all, you weren't hiding well enough that I couldn't tell you were following me." Her eyes narrowed at the mischievous Witch.
"Hmm…" She put her finger against her chin, tilting her head slightly to the left, as her eyes looked upwards. "It's a secret."
"Tch, fine. Keep your secrets then." Camilla turned and walked away, leaving Mel stunned that her "flirting" failed. Ugh! Just what is that stupid witch's problem? Can't she see I'm busy?
She walked at brisk pace, the scowl on her face making people steer clear of her. She stopped just outside the inn, making sure Mel wasn't following her, before heading inside.
~~~~~~~~~
Aurora finally made her way back to the bed after she calmed down. Filled with newfound determination not to hold Camilla back. I'm lucky to be blessed with such a caring wife.
Despite not having been proposed to or married, Aurora still decided to call her by wife in her head. She giggled as pleasant thoughts of the future occupied her mind. Just until it's finally official that is.
Camilla walked into the room while Aurora was still distracted. "Hehe, I hope she comes back soon… I miss her already."
"Oh? You miss me that much?" Camilla teased her, making her sit up quickly, pain shooting through her body as she did so. She flopped back to the bed with a groan.
"H-hey there honey."
"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. Are you okay?" Concern occupied her eyes as she dropped the bag to the floor, running to Aurora's side. She grasped her hand gently, rubbing her thumbs on her palms.
"Don't worry, I'm fine. Just a fleeting pain. It'll fade in a minute."
"Alright, hang tight then. I'll go make us dinner." Camilla smiled, standing up and disappearing into the kitchen. Something like soup should be best for her. She got to work, swiftly making a nice beef soup in under an hour.
Camilla dished up two bowls and carried them to the bedside. She set them down on the nightstand and helped Aurora sit up to eat. "Here. It's not the best I've made, but it should pass for now."
Aurora accepted her bowl, filled with a dark broth and a few pieces of meat, and spooned out a bite. She plunged the spoon into her mouth, surprised by the rather bland taste. WellI can't blame her. She's not a professional cook after all. They continued the meal in silence as night slowly approached.