Budding fears and germinating feelings

The rhythmic click of boots echoed down the underground corridor beneath the Stormrider manor. Three maids advanced steadily, their figures outlined by the manalamps lining the stone walls. Tessa, the tallest of them, led the group, holding a platter full of food. A soft yawn escaped her lips as she stretched mid-step, her gray eyes fluttering closed for a moment. She absently smoothed the front of her maid’s attire, fingers brushing out wrinkles that had formed from hurried dressing earlier.

“Don’t start napping on us now, clove girl,” teased a voice from behind, belonging to Imari.

Tessa gave the woman a snort. "Wish I could," she quipped, casting a glance at the blonde trailing her. "But thanks to a certain someone, it was hard to sleep the whole night again."

Imari was about half a head lower than Tessa, barely 1.65 meters tall. Her vibrant blue eyes gleamed with amusement as she rolled them in response. Her wavy hair descended to her elbows, tied at the end with a small ornament. Though her work outfit looked much the same as Tessa's, there were more visible protrusions here and there on it, marked by her more developed chest and plumper derriere than the red-haired woman had. The gait of her step was faster than hers, as well, as she had to keep up with her wide strides.

“Don’t blame me,” Imari retorted with a shrug. “I told you, wake me up if I’m snoring. Look at Lilia. She’s fine.”

The maid in question, a petite brunette, looked ahead absentmindedly, oblivious to the two speaking. Her dark yellow eyes appeared empty, almost unblinking as she trekked steadily. She seemed lost in her own world, her gaze lingering on a single point far in the distance. However, her instincts guided her with precision, letting her immediately dodge when Imari snapped her fingers in front of her nose, yet not letting a drop of food from her platter fall. Finally snapped out of her ponders, she focused on the blonde.

"?" her head tilted in a silent question.

"How did you sleep?" Imari inquired.

Lilia shrugged before pulling at the collar of her attire. "Like a rock," she responded tersely. Her voice sounded rather low despite her being the shortest of the three, just barely passing the 1.5-meter mark. Yet, it was underlined with a rather pleasant tone.

"See?" the blonde maid turned to Tessa. "She didn't even hear me snore."

Tessa sighed, feeling irritation well in her spirit. 'Oblivious as always, Lilia. I envy that you can just ignore things like that...' she thought, eyeing the brunette briefly. Almost as if on cue, she adjusted her braided hair, letting it bounce against her bubble butt with every step. 'One could be deceived to think nothing goes on in your head...'

"Relax, Tess," the blonde brought the tallest maid's attention to herself. "I'm telling you, I'm working on that. Just give it a while, I've only been here two months so far."

"...yes, I know," Tessa nodded. "I kind of wish I had my own room like Nimue does."

"Nimue has her own room?" a perplexed expression appeared on Imari's face. "Why?"

“It’s been that way forever,” Tessa explained. “Master Iwo set it up so she wouldn’t feel out of place among humans when he took her in. Or so I’ve heard.”

"Huh. Now I wish I was born an elf."

A few long seconds passed. Tessa glanced at her hand, to the platter. Watching the food atop jitter slightly with every step she took, she could not help but feel something in her mind stir. Like a subconscious thought, there was a tiny part of her that felt as though what she held was wrong. It spoke to her, telling her that something with the food was wrong...

'Maybe I'm just tired.' she mused quietly. However, deep within herself, she felt that her weariness was not the case.

Finally, they approached their destination: the stairs leading upstairs. As they ascended step by step, Tessa sensed the air around them transition from dry to humid. Sun's rays cast through the windows offered some respite, at least for now.

'Today will start cold.' she mused, reminding herself of yesterday's storm. 'Humid and cold. Gah, it's the worst weather. I'm thankful I didn't have to go to Weydan for supplies.' she mused, thinking of the elf who had gone in her stead, accompanying the young master who went to the Academy.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a voice ahead. “There you are.”

The trio turned to see Miri, Lady Ismeria’s personal maid. Slight and sharp-eyed, Miri’s deep brown gaze flicked to their platters with faint curiosity. The sight stirred something within Tessa's heart. It was like a sixth sense awakening, telling her to be wary of what would happen to the food.

“The guests will be down for breakfast shortly,” Miri said, gesturing for them to hurry.

None of the three answered, instead taking their steps toward the mansion's great hall. That exquisite and imposing place was simply massive. Having seen it multiple times, Tessa knew that it was a place that could house banquets for more than four hundred people. The exquisite marble lining the floor was covered with a thick layer of carpets, each made with grand craftsmanship. The massive chandelier above the huge table shimmered with its dozens of manalamps, showering the room with a spectacle that never once failed to capture her amazement. She could still recall the last time there was such a grand party here, back when she started working as a maid here years ago, although she could only faint recall the occasion.

Within a minute, the head maid opened the huge door leading into that place. Taking in the grandiose atmosphere, the red-haired woman almost halted her movements. The air itself appeared to bear witness to the greatness of the space, its aura nearly pressing onto them by itself.

However, as she glanced at her two friends, she failed to see any similarity in their reactions. Imari seemed unbothered, a small smile full of her usual high spirit. Lilia, in turn, kept her facade of neutrality, the emptiness of her eyes telling more than any words ever could. It was like she didn't even notice the change from the corridor.

Stepping forth, the trio were sure to place down their platters on the table. Another two maids of the house were already near, shuffling about and placing down the utensils. The only interaction between the two groups was condensed to a mere nod before Tessa stepped backward, Imari and Lilia following suit. Miri took their place, quickly skittering around the table to ensure the preparations were done to the utmost degree.

However, Tessa felt hesitation fill her spirit as they retreated out of the room. An instinctual feeling, almost like a call, beckoned to her from within. It told her to turn around, whispering that there was something that felt off. Her heart trembled, making her hands quiver as her steps ground to a halt. The sway of Lilia's brown braid and Imari's blonde ponytail continually faded into obscurity, replaced with an urgent thought.

'Something feels off about the food. I should go back.'

She wasn't sure why she thought that. She wasn't sure what could even be wrong with the food. All she knew was, she had to check it. She just... needed to make sure.

Stepping backward, Tessa shot one last glance at her friend's distancing backs before peeking from behind the corner. Peeling her gray eyes, she did her best to discern what was happening by the table.

The two maids rustled around for a few seconds more, watched diligently by Miri who kept a hand on her hip. As they finished, she sent them off with a nod. However, Tessa noticed something else about the gesture. It felt... a little too urgent.

'It looks like she wants them out as quickly as possible... why...?'

She frowned but opted to not ponder too much. Instead, she focused more intently on the brown-eyed maid's movements.

As Miri was left alone in the room, she stepped around the table quickly. Then, her hand wormed down her attire, slithering into a pocket. Shooting one last glance around, she finally fished out something from within, stalkily like a predator about to ambush its prey. However, the object was too small for Tessa to make out from the distance.

'What is that? What's Miri doing...?'

Tessa's mute questions immediately found answers as Miri extended her hand a little. Lowering herself over the food, she seemed to inspect it up close, as though searching for the tiniest irregularities. Yet, Tessa could not help but feel as though the head maid's moves were a little... suspicious. Especially the way she almost poked the food with the object in her hand...

Suddenly, something poked Tessa's back. Bolting sideways, she let out a yelp, turning around to see a familiar swirl of blonde hair.

"Now you're listening," Imari sighed. "Gods, what's gotten you so lost in thought? I've never seen you ignore being called thrice in a row," Imari continued, suddenly leaning from behind the corner. "Not sure if the table is set properly?"

"It's..." Tessa started, but the words tied themselves into a knot in her throat. A sting of uncertainty fired in her brain, making her hesitate. "...it's nothing. I'm a little tired still, is all."

Imari grimaced, rolling her eyes. "So I see. Well, don't lag behind, will you?" she asked, stepping away. Lilia stood a small distance away, patiently waiting for the two, her dark yellow orbs scanning them quietly. "We still have a lot of work to do."

"...yeah, I'm coming," Tessa answered, taking her steps in their direction.

A few seconds passed again, punctuated by the windows they passed as they made their way back. The sun's rays showered them in their warmth. Tessa glanced outside, seeing that the blue expanse of the sky above was almost completely void of clouds. The day would soon begin in full, and the water permeating the ground would dry until the evening.

"Miri could do without a stick up her bum," Imari suddenly commented, bringing Tessa out of her ponders. "I know the guests are important, but she doesn't have to shoo us away immediately."

"She's simply being diligent," came the answer from Lilia. "We do our work, they do theirs."

"Oh, don't take her side, Lilia!" the blonde's cheeks puffed up. "Couldn't she just calm a little? The food isn't going anywhere. And even if we deliver it just a smidge late, who will care?"

Tessa remained silent at the small argument that erupted between the two. In front of her eyes, the scene she just saw played back in full swing. Miri was definitely doing something... and it didn't feel like a normal activity. Nobody would be this diligent when checking if the prepared meals were done correctly. Something about her activities screamed suspicions. Especially the way she moved, and that strange object... it was almost as though Miri did something to the food...

'I can't tell them that. They won't believe me... I don't want them to think I'm being paranoid...' she grimaced at the thought.

However, as she pondered for a couple more seconds, there was someone who she felt would not shrug her off.

'Young master... surely, he won't think such of me... he'll listen. When he returns, I'll tell him.'

-Meanwhile-

The atmosphere of Weydan felt different than usual. The humid smell of chilly air permeated the area, caressing every person within, standing or moving. The sun's rays barely reached over the walls, casting massive, elongated shadows that encompassed everything in sight. Glancing around, Lucas noticed numerous people going about their business. Some vendors rushed about their shops, changing the signs on their doors and rolling the curtains hiding the items they put up for sale. A few Enforcers moved about, their vigilant gazes scanning the surroundings. Some children played around a puddle in the distance. Lucas could not help but let himself smile at the sight. It felt... calmer, yet more lively than usual.

'The peace is nice.' the thought felt somber. A faint sense of apprehension, or perhaps guilt, stirred at the bottom of his heart.

Suddenly, he felt something brush against his elbow. His gaze turned, meeting the earthy green of Nimue's eyes. An untold emotion was painted on her face.

“Are you feeling fine?” he asked, his voice low, tinged with concern as his hand gently rubbed her shoulder. The gesture was protective, almost instinctive.

The elf’s ears twitched slightly, their movement subtle but telling. She nodded, the motion calm yet deliberate. “Right as rain, young master,” she replied, her voice steady.

"I really think Ina shouldn't have sent you for supplies for dinner," he lamented, feeling a queasy sensation in his stomach. "She knew you were sick yesterday."

Nimue's eyes skittered sideways for a blink. Absentmindedly, she fixed up her skirt - a dark beige, casual piece of clothing, composing perfectly with a gray tunic covering her chest. Her black hair was done in a long ponytail with a few small ornaments fixed at intervals, almost like a braid. With every bob of her head, it swung around languidly like a tail. The click of her hard boots was unmissable as she slightly sped up. The basket in her other hand shuffled together with the motion, threatening to spill the pouch of gold hidden within.

“I came because I wanted to,” she finally replied, her tone resolute yet gentle. Her eyes met his, and for a moment, something deeper flickered there. But she didn’t voice it. Instead, she offered him a warm, genuine smile that made his heart thrum in an unfamiliar rhythm.

Lucas felt a strange warmth spread through him at her expression. It was almost electric, traveling down his arms to his fingertips, leaving behind a sensation he couldn’t quite name. Longing? Perhaps. But it was something more, something that stirred the depths of him in a way he hadn’t fully understood before.

Briefly, he searched his mind for any additional reaction. However, the voice in the back of his mind (which he refused to call either a 'part of him' or 'Adlin' as it had introduced itself) was gone. It appeared their meeting in Dreamscape hushed it away from his consciousness again. But why did it happen...?

"...is something the matter?"

Nimue's words made him suddenly snap out of his ponder. Focusing on her better, he noticed her bright skin becoming increasingly flushed until he averted his gaze.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to stare," he apologized quickly. "I was just a little lost in thought."

"It's alright," the elf woman responded. "I don't mind..." her voice trailed off.

Lucas cleared his throat. "Well then, let's go to the marketplace."

"???" her expression turned perplexed as she saw him leading the way. "Young master, a-are you sure?"

"Is that a problem?" he raised a brow as he noticed her matching his tempo.

"N-No... I just... You have classes soon," she stated, her voice unsure.

"It's alright, Nimue," Lucas answered with a small smile. "I still have some time. We can handle the list first," he said, his tone reassuring as he nodded to her.

"...if you say so."

The journey to their destination didn't take long. On the way, Lucas took great care to gauge Nimue's well-being. He felt concern flare up in his stomach. She was sick just the day before, so he wondered why she would willingly go on an errand to Weydan. She should be lying this off, not running around.

However, beneath that worry was another thought that made him insist on coming with her to the marketplace.

'I don't want anything happening to her because of the current situation.' he thought. He didn't want to even imagine this small, **** woman getting hurt by some bastard with a particular dislike toward elves. The news of war between Ureliar and Inallel had yet to reach the common folk, but it didn't mean the tensions didn't exist. As long as he could shield her from that, he would do so. 'I might even invoke my family name... although I doubt anyone will give a damn.' he grimaced at the thought. Usually, bearing the name of Stormrider would mean status and respect. For him, however, it was anything but that. Classed people rarely had much beyond disdain or ignorance toward the Classless. His status as a noble changed nothing about that.

The way forth was rather calm. The usual clatter of the city happened around.

He barely even noticed when they reached the marketplace. Finally snapping out of his trance, Lucas scanned the numerous merchants who had already set up their stands. Men, women, older and younger, human and elf, and everywhere in between. The violet-eyed man scanned the surroundings briefly. Stealing a glance at his black-haired companion inquiring about something with a vendor, his attention was brought to her hair for a moment. Something about it felt... missing. Like a tiny piece of a puzzle, normally indiscernible to be left out yet now eerily stinging at his eyes and soul.

His feet moved almost of their own accord, drawing him toward another stall. Without hesitation, he picked out a small accessory: a hairpin, its brass claws glinting faintly in the morning light. Tiny chains dangled from its prolonged ends, adorned with delicate fragments of colorful glass that gleamed like miniature jewels. It felt weightless in his hand but carried an inexplicable sense of significance. Pocketing the item, he returned to Nimue, his heart inexplicably lighter.

Their shopping spree continued for a couple more minutes. The marketplace atmosphere was quiet, as it would normally be in the morning. The banter and chatter between Weydan's folks was sparse, just barely filling the still-chilly air. The sun's rays, slowly lowering on the nearby objects, brought forth bursts of warmth that accompanied the two as they lurked between the stands.

...

As they exited the marketplace and turned toward the Academy, Lucas felt his spirit quiver. He glanced at Nimue's graceful form moving beside him. Her alluring body swayed and bounced enticingly with every step but he hardly paid attention to that, his entire focus on her face. Now, given what had happened in the past few days, it felt as though a blindfold was taken off his eyes, revealing a vivid reality he'd never fully grasped before. He always viewed Nimue as attractive, but... now it felt even more pronounced. There were hardly any words within his mind that could encapsulate his feelings. There was a certain, instinctual magnetism that kept on pulling him toward her, like a star dragging behind stardust. To him, it hardly mattered that she was a maid.

That sensation, which shook his very core, did not relent for a single second of their journey until the moment he could see the main doors.

“Nimue,” he said suddenly, coming to a halt near a quiet corner just next to the Academy.

She turned to face him, her earthy green eyes curious. “Yes, young master?”

Lucas felt his heart reverberate in his veins. The pressure spikes as he scanned the elf's curious countenance only hightened as his hand went into his pocket. He didn't understand why he was so nervous. It was just a gift.

"I..." his voice died out before he took a deeper breath. "Thank you. You didn't have to see me off here. I really appreciate it."

She blinked, a faint rose tint appearing on the back of her cheeks. "It's alright, young master. I hope you have a pleasant time during your lectures," she gave him a smile.

The fingers of his hand trembled slightly, feeling almost lost in her eyes. Sensing that the time for goodbyes was now, Lucas pushed through uncertainty, a hand going into his pocket.

"I... h-have something for you, Nimue," he said, presenting the item to the black-haired elf.

Her earthy green eyes ventured to his open palm, seeing a small hairpin. Its claw-like mouth was made of some shiny yet matte metal (likely brass), and each of its ends had small trails of chain-like links affixed to them. Here and there, tiny pieces of colorful glass were joined, releasing soft jiggles and glimmering almost like jewels.

Nimue's eyes dilated as she reached out to accept the gift. Her lips trembled, her gaze flickering to meet his briefly, uncertainty stirring within.

"I-I... t-thank you..." she said with a shaky voice. "Y-You s-s-shouldn't h-have..."

Nimue held the hairpin in her delicate hands, her fingers gingerly tracing its intricate design as though committing every detail to memory. Her lips trembled, forming words that didn’t quite escape. The earthy green of her eyes glistened, something untold flickering just beneath the surface.

Lucas shifted awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck as the silence between them stretched. He still wasn't completely sure why he bought that item, nor why he gave it to her. It just felt right to do so.

It was just a gift. A show of gratitude he held for her.

“I... I thought it would suit you,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

“It’s beautiful,” Nimue finally said, her voice shaky but warm. "I-I will cherish it."

Lucas felt his very spirit quiver at her words. His hand moved slowly, gently caressing her elbow. The elf quivered in her spot, her ears moving unsteadily for a blink as she looked at their connected hands. However, she didn't pull away. Rather, her hand opened, letting her fingertips brush against his skin in return. The blush on her face became even more prominent as her gaze lowered.

The hairpin let out another sound as she shuffled it between her fingers.

It was just a gift, Lucas reminded himself. A small token of appreciation for all she had done for him.

Lucas let out a faint sigh. He didn't want to say goodbye, but the imposing walls of the Academy reminded him of his and Nimue's differing duties. Releasing his hold of her hands, he rubbed her shoulder gently.

"It's time for me to go. Be careful on the way back, Nimue," he said, gingerly tracing her skin through the cloth. He could feel every last muscle that tensed up beneath his hold relax. "And please, don't strain yourself today."

"Y-Yes, young master..." she replied, her voice quieting and trailing off as she looked up at him.

The brief pause seemed to pull the two together. They could feel each other's heartbeats, nearly perfectly synced, as they stood almost motionless for a few seconds.

Then, Nimue broke the tension. Stepping closer, she pressed her forehead lightly against his chest, the motion so sudden Lucas barely had time to react. Her dark hair brushed his chin, and she inhaled deeply.

"Thank you for the gift," she spoke, her voice sincere and laced with deep, genuine feeling.

Lucas hesitated, then wrapped his arms around her in return. He buried his face in her hair, inhaling the faint, floral scent of her perfume. “It’s nothing,” he replied softly.

...

After a few seconds, they finally dislodged from one another. Nimue took a large step back, giving the man some space before she fixed her attire. Her eyes looked at him, the earthy green glimmering with feelings that were no doubt reflected in his own amethyst orbs. She nodded once, then turned to leave, her steps carrying her away toward the Stormrider mansion.

Lucas felt his form deflate slightly. Heat beamed from his skin, almost like he'd just had a long training session with Deuce. His heartbeat was fast and rhythmic, and his palms were sweaty. The aftermath of the situation was going to take a few minutes to set it.

Lucas watched her figure shrink into the distance, his chest swelling with warmth. In his mind’s eye, he could already picture the black-haired elf wearing the hairpin, its delicate chains swaying with her movements, catching the light as they sparkled against her dark locks.

A small smile tugged at his lips. He turned to enter the Academy.

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