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Manabound - Resilience - Chapter 17
🕑 Added 2023-10-16 14:23:27 +0000 UTCAN: Heading home this week. Don't forget, I'm going on break for the last two weeks of October to spend time with family I haven't seen in four months for everyone except Artificers to get them up to 15 ahead. Tiers will be updated at the end of this week.
Seeing Red
In the dim predawn light of the twin moons, Gwyn was roused from her restless slumber by a persistent nudge. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, she recognized the familiar form of Calista, her silhouette dark against the room's pale glow. The world outside was still cloaked in the inky blanket of night, the first signs of dawn yet to bleed across the horizon.
Taking care not to stir Roslyn, Gwyn cautiously eased herself out of the bed as she tried to keep her movements deliberate and gentle. Her gaze settled on Roslyn, whose breaths came slow and even. Gwyn couldn't help but smile affectionately at the sight of her friend's peaceful face, even more so when she noticed a damp strand of blond hair comically plastered to the corner of Roslyn's mouth. She really wished she had her phone for a picture.
It was adorable.
At least she’s peaceful now. And... she doesn’t despise me. Angry? Definitely. But not to the point of hate.
<<Hurry!>> Calista's mental plea pierced through Gwyn's momentary distraction.
Rolling her eyes, she whispered, “Alright, alright, I'm moving.” Her next thought followed immediately. Ugh, and I have to pee as well. Should've gone before sleeping.
Making her way back to her room, Gwyn's bare feet padded softly on the cold floor, the echoes of last night’s argument still churned inside of her. It was horrible. She was still upset, and it felt like her stomach was twisted up in a knot. It was painful and raw. There were still a lot of unresolved tensions, and Roz wanted to talk again, which was something Gwyn wasn’t looking forward to.
The door to Gwyn's dorm room opened with a soft creak, revealing the familiar sanctity of her space. Shadows pooled in every corner, the remnants of the night holding firm against the incoming light. Gwyn's nimble fingers summoned a small flame, lighting a nearby lamp and pushing the shadows back, letting the room bathe in a warm, orange glow.
Her room, though modest, held an array of objects she had accumulated since her arrival in Eona. Each held a story, a memory of her time in this new world. However, as she looked around, a wave of nostalgia hit her. How she wished she had a trinket, a photo, anything from Earth to keep her connected to her old life.
But such wishes were futile in a land where such crossings were impossible.
Maybe one day.
Walking over to her vanity, she decided to freshen up. With a flick of her wrist, she summoned her [Cryomancy], forming a bowl of pristine ice. Almost immediately after, she wielded her [Pyromancy], melting the ice into lukewarm water—careful to use the base form of the trait and not unleash the pure intensity of dragon flame this time. She splashed the water onto her face, its mild warmth contrasting with her chilling thoughts, and sighed deeply.
Shaking off her melancholy, Gwyn began dressing. However, a sudden tightness around her chest made her wince. “Of all the times,” she grumbled, tugging at the constricting bra.
With a mix of frustration and defeat, she yanked it off and sent it sailing through the air. A chuckle escaped her as she spotted it draped comically over Calista's horns. The dragon looked both amused and annoyed before shaking it off onto the floor.
<<Rude sister!>>
Gwyn began rifling through her belongings in search of a more comfortable alternative. Slipping on another one, she grimaced—it wasn't much better. “These tailors here don't get it,” she muttered. “At least Earth had sizes...”
With an exasperated sigh, she thought of her mom. Oh, how she wished for her guidance in this odd world, especially for things as trivial, yet as essential, as this. She loved Taenya. Her adopted aunt was great for many things and she had filled in for Mom in so many ways, but… there was still something missing.
However, she did help out a ton when I woke up and saw red on the sheets a few weekends ago…
That was an awkward moment. One she’d long known was coming, but still not something a simple warning can prepare you for when you see it in person.
Still, all the women of the House were immensely supportive and helpful. Roslyn even had an emergency pouch for her already. It was so sweet, and she appreciated her best friend’s foresight.
While the talk with Taenya had been very difficult for the woman, she had managed and Gwyn had been thankful, because nothing here was the same. But now she had some tea that she had to drink every morning. Luckily, Roz had a decent supply and had already been drinking it daily.
It tasted like butt.
Not that Gwyn knew what butt tasted like.
But she imagined if one would taste butt. It would be that tea.
I wonder if Mom is drinking it too. I bet she hates it as much as me. Reinhart solidarity in disliking the butt tea.
Even that simple thought sent waves of sadness through her. Just like they did every time Gwyn thought of her mom. She always had to remind herself that her mom was coming straight to where she was. Which she thought insinuated that her mom knew she was alive. It was something that brought a small comfort. She couldn’t imagine how her mom felt when she couldn’t find Gwyn for so long.
I miss her.
Calista's impatience cut through her frustrations. <<Ready now?>>
“Almost. Still need my robes,” Gwyn whispered back as she put away her thoughts and went back to fumbling through her wardrobe.
<<Need Scales.>>
She smirked. “We can't all be as glamorous as Neira with her lovely scales.”
Calista gave a nod of understanding. <<See Neira?>>
Gwyn's eyes softened. “Soon, I hope. With Spring here, it might be easier to visit. I bet Rhion would love to see his family.”
Finally, her fingers settled on a set of school robes that looked more like a dress with long sleeves, perfect for the fresh coolness of an Aviran Spring morning. As she slipped it on, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. Whatever the day held, she was ready.
The door to her dormitory barely had a chance to click shut when Gwyn spotted a pair of drowsy figures speaking quietly. Rollo, the ever-diligent paladin, seemed to be doing his routine early morning rounds with the Vicori that was in Roz’s House. Neither of them was wearing armor, which was normal around the dorms, instead, they both wore a simple tunic that she knew hid some chainmail underneath along with a sword. As she exited her room with a shadow-scaled dragon, Rollo’s tired eyes caught hers, brightening in recognition.
“Hey guys,” she whispered.
Roz’s paladin greeted her respectfully before giving her and Rollo some space. She appreciated that.
Rollo smiled, a gesture that seemed to take some effort given his apparent exhaustion. He gave her a half-hearted wave. “You're up early, princess.” His gaze shifted to Calista, and he offered a slight bow, “Lady Calista.”
Gwyn could sense the smug satisfaction radiating from the dragon. <<See? Respectful!>>
She chuckled softly. “Blame Calista for the early wake-up call. We both, well, forgot some nighttime routines.”
The paladin's chuckle mirrored hers, but he sobered up quickly. “I did wonder with the commotion last night. Everything alright?”
A blush crept up Gwyn's cheeks. “You heard us?”
His head tilted slightly, suggesting a ‘yes’ but also a measure of understanding. “I think several of your neighbors heard as well. It was muffled, so you have that at least. The walls aren’t as thick as one might hope.”
Gwyn groaned. “Fantastic.”
Rollo tried to alleviate the awkwardness. “I’ll take Lady Calista outside. Give you a moment of privacy.”
But Calista, ever the proud creature, shook her head as she chimed in, <<No! Animals outside. Lady now.>>
Gwyn pressed her fingers to the bridge of her nose. “She's insisting she's a lady now. This is on you, Rollo. We're... going to attempt the girls' bathroom. Could you, perhaps, guard the door? It might be a little chaotic if anyone walks in on this.”
Rollo's eyes flickered between the assertive dragon and Gwyn's pleading face. He exhaled deeply. “This might be one of the most bizarre duties I've undertaken, but sure. Let's do this.”
The endeavor that ensued was as peculiar as Gwyn had predicted. With much awkwardness, she tried to guide Calista, all while Rollo stood guard outside, probably contemplating the surreal direction his life had taken. By the time they emerged, Gwyn could only marvel at the regality Calista exuded, as if they hadn’t just engaged in one of the most humbling of human experiences.
The day had just begun, and already it promised to be one for the books.
And that was considering the night prior.
Rollo offered a parting nod as Gwyn and Calista headed back. “Amari should be here soon.”
“Thanks, Rollo.” Gwyn managed a small smile.
As they re-entered the shared space, Roslyn's room door was slightly ajar. Gwyn caught a flash of her friend's vibrant purple eyes peeking out, clearly noticing it was her. But just as swiftly, the door shut, leaving a feeling of distance between them.
There were no words, no gestures, just the unmistakable weight of emotions left unsaid.
Gwyn took a deep breath, her gaze falling to the floor, and led Calista to her own room. Once inside, she shut the door behind her and leaned against it, exhaling heavily. “I really messed up, Nyx.”
Calista tilted her head, her blue eyes regarding Gwyn with a mix of concern and amusement. <<Feelings. Silly.>>
The young woman chuckled, though there was little humor in it. “Feelings are silly, but they sure know how to hurt.”
A pang of regret squeezed at her heart. She hugged herself, longing for the usual warmth and comfort her magic brought her. But she remembered Roslyn's words and resisted the urge to call upon it.
She'd made a promise.
Gwyn would at least try to keep it.
With a sigh, she pushed off the door and made to get ready for the day.
✦ ✦ ✦
Roslyn stood before her vanity, the reflection staring back at her fraught with conflict. Gentle sunlight pierced through the drapes, illuminating a face framed by loose strands of hair that had escaped her braid. Running her fingers through them, she tried to untangle both her hair and the mess of emotions coursing through her.
It was so much more than the lie. It was the ripples it could cause.
The weight on her shoulders seemed heavier now; one wrong move and it could tarnish her House's reputation. And all of it revolved around Gwyn's lie.
It didn’t matter what Gwyn was back on her world. In Roslyn’s, she was a strong, fierce warrior princess. Roslyn had to fill her role. Gwyn’s secret could never get out.
Then Gwyn had the audacity to imply that her House should declare its independence from the throne.
A Tiloral Never Forgets.
A promise and a threat to those who would have her family’s ire. There was more to it, but Gwyn didn’t know that. She was so… naive. The very thought that friendship, something supposed to be pure and simple, came with the requirement of political damage control was overwhelming.
Roslyn reached for a brush, pulling it through her hair.
Each stroke was methodical, a repetitive motion that gave her something to focus on, a distraction from the turmoil inside. In that reflected face, her violet eyes… eyes that Gwyn always commented on how pretty they were… were brimming with unshed tears as they stared back.
She blinked them away, unwilling to let them fall.
Not now.
Despite her best efforts, her thoughts drifted to Gwyn’s magic, that Tenera cursed [Frozen Heart]. She didn't understand how no one else noticed it. Was she the only one seeing her best friend slowly dissolve into a shell? It wasn’t just about emotions anymore; it was about Gwyn’s very essence eroding away.
The cheerful, fiery Gwyn she knew seemed to be fading with every moment of overwhelming emotions, and it terrified her.
It wasn’t her place to educate Gwyn’s retainers, though. They should be aware of their liege’s state. It was both surprising and telling of Gwyn’s ability to lie that even Ser Sabina with her mind magic wasn’t aware.
That told of a deeper issue within her friend.
Grabbing a light powder, she dabbed it onto her face, hoping to conceal the redness from her eyes. A soft blush followed, trying to bring life back to her pale cheeks. All the while, her mind raced.
She had said she would be there for Gwyn, but there was a limit to how much she could bear, wasn’t there?
Roslyn had threatened to end their friendship in her anger. She… she was a Tiloral and her word was her bond. So why would she swear something so… so stupid?
Would I ever reach that point? Could I really ever walk away from her? She scoffed silently, chastising herself. Who am I kidding? I couldn’t leave, not even if I wanted to.
She would become a liar as well. She just had to make sure Gwyn never gave her that option.
But she also couldn’t just watch Gwyn self-destruct.
Shaking her head to dispel the troubling thoughts, Roslyn slipped into her robes for the day. Her motions were automatic, more muscle memory than conscious choice. She took one final glance at her reflection, hoping the face that stared back was ready to face the day and its inevitable challenges.
She took a deep breath and steeled herself.
Today’s a new day. One step at a time.
✦ ✦ ✦
Gwyn paused at the threshold of her room, turning to Calista. “Listen, Nyx. You'll be spending the day with Rollo, alright?” She glanced at the sun elf paladin who had a smile on his face. “He’s taking you outside. Make sure you get some good exercise but also listen to him. No mischief.”
As Calista gleefully pranced around the room, Gwyn couldn't suppress a smirk. She's definitely going to terrify some people today. However, she felt a twinge of relief that, for once, it wasn't her responsibility.
She mentally shrugged.
That sounded like a paladin problem for the day.
After leaving with Amari and Khalan in tow, Gwyn walked in step with Roslyn as they made their way to the dining hall nearest their homeroom. Her friend was silent and looking straight ahead, despite Gwyn’s attempt to steal glances at her. As they strolled the corridor and then the grounds outside, the sea of students naturally parted to make way as usual. Gwyn found herself silently wishing for a delay, something to prolong their journey to the dining hall and perhaps buy her more time with Roslyn.
Taking a risk, Gwyn hesitated. “Roz?”
A thin line appeared where Roslyn's lips had been. “Yes?”
Gwyn winced. Ah, yeah. She’s mad still.
“Do you want to talk?”
“What do you want to talk about?”
“You said we can talk more today,” Gwyn reminded gently.
Roslyn sighed. “This is clearly not the appropriate venue for such a discussion. Gwyneth.”
Ugh. She’s pulling out the birth name.
“If you had to rate it on a scale of one to ten, how upset are you with me?”
Roslyn shot her a sharp look. “I’m not in the mood for games, Gwyn. I’m not angry, I’m disappointed. Understand that. We can be friends, and I can also be disappointed in you. That doesn't lessen my regard for you. Let's grab breakfast and then focus on class.”
Feeling like she'd been lightly slapped, Gwyn's gaze dropped. “Alright,” she murmured, resigning herself to just following along for now.
The dining hall was already buzzing with students as Gwyn and Roslyn entered. Gwyn made her way to the breakfast selection, picking up a bowl of a thick oatmeal, a plate of sliced fruits, and a piece of toast. She noticed Roslyn getting an almost identical meal, which caused a small smile to form on Gwyn’s lips.
It was the little things, sometimes.
They settled at a table which was shortly joined by Salla, Daria, and Lorenna. Adrienne arrived moments after with a plate filled with fish and eggs. Which was such a weird meal to Gwyn, but the orkun girl from an island nation loved it.
Lorenna was the first to greet her. “Gwyn! How are you today? You look tired.”
Before Gwyn could answer, Salla’s foot connected with Lorenna’s shin under the table. “Ow!” Lorenna yelped, rubbing the point of impact.
Feeling a weight in the pit of her stomach, Gwyn forced a smile. “I'm holding up, Lore. How about you?”
Lorenna, brushing off the sudden kick, beamed. “I'm splendid! Are… we busy this weekend by any chance?”
Gwyn blinked, puzzled. She didn’t think they were. Aleanora was doing some things this week with Friedrich for the House, but nothing crazy. Ilyana was attending court in her stead because Gwyn refused to go anywhere near the crown prince. Knowing what she now knew from Amari, it was likely about the war.
Normally she’d just spend it with Roz. Maybe making magic, or just hanging out. She loved spending time with her best friend. Adrienne would occasionally join them, but not as often.
With Roz being quite… terse, she wasn’t sure.
So… she shrugged. “No plans that I recall,” she answered, throwing a curious glance toward Roslyn. The blonde was engrossed in her food, seemingly uninterested in the conversation.
She forced herself to not sigh.
“Well then,” Lorenna continued, her eyes shining with excitement. “With your permission, I thought it would be lovely to host Salla and Daria at the estate for some tea.”
Gwyn's gaze shifted between the three, resting on Daria's nonchalant shrug and Salla's expectant grin. “Sounds like fun. The estate’s all yours, Lore. Invite whomever you want.”
Lorenna's face lit up. “As the head of House, you're very much included, Gwyn. We'll have tea and perhaps some light refreshments. Then, Daria and Salla can stay the night in my room.”
Turning to Adrienne, Gwyn raised an eyebrow. “Up for tea at my place?”
Adrienne smirked. “Count me in.”
Gwyn turned to Roz who looked at Lorrena and smiled. “If you’ll have me, I would love to attend, Lady Lorrena.”
Lore’s gaze shifted back and forth between Gwyn and Roslyn, realization finally setting in. “T–That would be lovely, Lady Tiloral. I… I apologize, I assumed if Gwyn would be there, that you would.”
Gwyn couldn’t stop her wince. She peeked at Roslyn, who had a very neutral expression on her face. There was a slight twitch to her ear that Gwyn knew meant her friend was holding back some scathing comment. Instead, she forced a smile on her face.
“I have many things that keep me busy. I am pleased that Gwyn has ample time to make room for my schedule.”
Oh, really now. You’re gonna say…
Gwyn narrowed her eyes, but she wasn’t going to take the bait. She turned back to Lore. “Great,” she said. “Let me know the specifics, Lore. Make sure the staff know that it is your event.”
Lorenna practically beamed. “Thanks, Gwyn. You're the best!”
The atmosphere during breakfast was a mix of light banter and plans for the upcoming weekend. Roslyn was courteous and spoke to everyone but Gwyn. Not that Gwyn engaged her either, to be fair. Eventually, Adrienne and Lorenna had to part ways for their respective lessons, but not before Adrienne nudged her and whispered to be nice to Roz.
As if Gwyn was the one that was… actually, maybe Adrienne had a point.
With breakfast over, Gwyn walked alongside Roz, Daria, and Salla as they headed to their Year Two's Class One Homeroom.
As Gwyn stepped into the homeroom, the atmosphere was thick with the morning chatter of her classmates. Salla and Daria took a table in the middle of the room and started getting their things out. Gwyn stepped toward their usual table, but Roslyn made a beeline to it and offered for one of their male classmates to sit next to her.
The boy looked at her in confusion, his eyes even darting toward Gwyn before shrugging and sitting down. Gwyn frowned.
Casting a quick glance around the room, Gwyn's heart sank. The only seat left was next to none other than Elora.
Relena’s tits.
As Gwyn approached the seat, Roslyn's gaze met hers. The guilt shining in Roz's eyes was unmistakable as her friend realized what her action had left her with. The sting of their spat was still fresh, but Roz had unintentionally blown this up into a statement.
Rumors from which would likely spread through the day.
She sighed.
Bracing herself, Gwyn sat down next to Elora. Almost immediately, Elora leaned in close, her voice dripping with venom. “What's this? Trouble in paradise with Lady Tiloral? Did she finally realize that you're dead weight? I can’t imagine what it’s like for a ducal House to have to prop up a worthless princess.”
Feeling her anger rise, she fought the urge to use [Frozen Heart] and shot back, “Thank you for your unsolicited concern about my friendships, Elora. Maybe if you had any real friends, you'd understand. Oh, wait, everyone around you is just looking for the best way to use you.”
Elora's smirk deepened, her eyes glinting with malicious delight. “My my. What a sharp tongue today. Shall I get you a handkerchief? You appear to be on the verge of tears. Missing your precious ‘Roz’, perhaps?”
Just as Gwyn was about to retort, their high elven teacher entered the room. His sharp eyes immediately zeroed in on the volatile pairing of the two princesses. With a resigned sigh, he spoke, “Miss Moreth, Miss Reinhart. I do hope you both can manage to coexist peacefully for one lesson.”
Elora flashed a saccharine smile, batting her eyelashes innocently. “Of course, professor. I assure you, I'm not the one you should be worried about.”
Gwyn, opting for the mature route, simply nodded. Please, let this lesson be over quickly.
Their teacher cast one last wary glance in their direction before launching into the day's topic.
Gwyn sneaked a glance towards Roslyn, whose regretful expression conveyed more than words ever could. Pulling out her textbook and notes, Gwyn focused her attention on the lesson, trying to block out the whispers and stares surrounding her.
This day can’t get any worse.
✦ ✦ ✦
Oh, how wrong she was.
Roslyn's demeanor remained cool, distant, and guarded throughout each of their remaining lessons, a shield of frost wrapping her like armor. Gwyn could still find a seat beside her in their other shared classes, but the emotional distance between them felt like an ever-expanding chasm. Every step she took felt like she was walking on eggshells.
Gwyn wasn’t sure how to act, at all. It was all she could do to not just grab her best friend, hold her in place and make her talk. She could do it. She was very strong.
She didn’t do it.
Instead, she followed her friend around like a lost puppy.
If only Neira could see her now. The dragon girl would have teased at how sad she looked. Gwyn could see the judgment on the teenaged warrior’s face.
All these confusing feelings—the surge of protective instincts, the odd flutter in her stomach whenever Roslyn smiled, the burning need to always be close to her. She told herself that's what best friends felt. She’d never had a best friend before. Someone who understood her so well. Who she wanted to spend every waking moment with.
It had to be. It was the only explanation she could come up with.
Gwyn really wished she had her mom.
Or Aunt Katie.
Or an older sister.
Someone who would just get her. Understand the maze of emotions she was going through.
That wasn’t a knight and living in the past.
Sabina and Taenya helped, but they didn’t get it. The two tried their best, but their efforts felt distant and out of touch with her reality. They couldn't comprehend let alone relate to the life of a teen who grew up in the age of the internet, TikTok dances, and YouTube challenges. For Gwyn, this new world was alien, overwhelming.
It was such a culture shock. Worse than moving from America to Italy had been for her mom.
But amidst this whirlwind, there was Roslyn—her steady, confident beacon. The girl who seemed to have it all figured out. She verbally sparred with nobles and royalty alike as if it were second nature to her. An absolute model student. Nothing bothered her. At least, until Gwyn's secret came tumbling out.
She should’ve spoken up sooner. She knew that. But the weight of confession, the fear of rejection... It had paralyzed her for so long.
In the long run, this would be better. It had to be. For now though? She looked at Roslyn who was just ahead and to the left of her as they walked to the library after their last class.
Roslyn wanted to get some books to study. Gwyn just wanted to curl up and cry. All day was a struggle to not just use her magic to shut everything off.
It would have made it bearable.
Roslyn would have known and Gwyn had no idea how Roslyn knew every time.
It was tough, but she promised.
Eona? If you’re real, I could really use a hand right now. It feels like everything’s falling apart. I can’t be this broken messed up girl when mom gets here.
She punctuated the pseudo-prayer with a small surge of mana. Just to be sure.
Gwyn had to get herself together.
Starting with acting more like an adult. She wasn’t a kid anymore.
No excuses.
Why does everything have to be so darn complicated?
“Gwyn, you know you don’t have to follow me around, right?” Roslyn asked with a raised brow.
She could do the mom brow so well. It didn’t deter Gwyn The Bestest Of Friends, though.
“Yeah, I know. We just happen to be going to the same place. No big deal.”
Roz rolled her eyes. “Fine.”
“Fine,” Gwyn echoed with a smirk.
They entered the library, their paladins taking up spots by the door, and Roz moved straight to the area of historical texts related to noble governance. Gwyn decided she would just peruse the books.
While the library for the Lower School wasn’t nearly as grand as the Upper’s, it was nothing to scoff at. There were rows upon rows of books of all sorts of subjects.
Wandering through the aisles, Gwyn's fingertips lightly grazed the spines of the books, each a treasure trove of stories and knowledge. She marveled at the variety; from the colorful children's fables to ancient myths, each section beckoning her closer. Occasionally, she'd pull a book from a shelf and flip through the pages, taking in the familiar scent of aged paper.
Back home, their house had so many bookshelves. Her mamma was a voracious reader, and loved fantasy stories of all sorts. Gwyn had tried to recreate that here, but the stories just weren’t the same.
That didn’t stop her bestie though. Roz loved hearing about stories from Earth, and when they were in the privacy of their room, she would consume all sorts of love stories. It was cute.
As she rounded the corner to the next aisle, Roslyn came into view. Her best friend was already engrossed, nose buried deep in not one, but two thick tomes sprawled open on the table. The sight of Roz so focused and content brought a soft smile to Gwyn's face.
Her exploration took her down another aisle, and she sidestepped a moon elf boy that was clearly older than her, his dark-purple skin contrasting with the deep burgundy robe he wore. “Excuse me,” she whispered. He looked up, offering a kind smile in return. She reciprocated with a nod, and continued on.
Absorbed in the multitude of story titles, Gwyn became lost in her own world, trying to decide which one to explore first. Unwittingly, she took a step back and accidentally bumped into someone. A book fell with a soft thud.
“Sorry!” Gwyn blurted out, bending down swiftly to pick it up. As she rose and turned to hand it back, her gaze met that of the sun elf she'd collided with. The elf’s rich, deep skin flushed slightly as they recognized each other.
It was Sansa.
Finally! All to myself without that uppity… girl around.
“Oh, hi!” Gwyn greeted, trying to put the girl at ease.
Sansa seemed to retract into herself for a moment before she began her curtsey. “H-Hello. Princess Gwyneth.”
“Oh, come on.” Gwyn waved dismissively, aiming to break the formal air between them. “Please, just 'Gwyn'.”
“I-I wouldn't dare, Your Maj—”
“Seriously, Sansa,” Gwyn insisted with a grin. “Here, in these halls, I'm just another student like you and everyone else. If formality really matters that much, 'Miss Reinhart' will do. Though, I must admit, I only know your first name from overheard conversations.”
“Oh…” She straightened a little. “My name is Sansa Sarkas. I am an attendant—”
Wait. “Wait.”
The girl startled slightly. “I’m s-sorry.”
Gwyn shook her head. “Your family name. Is it a common name?”
Sansa’s brows furrowed in confusion. “Sarkas? No…”
Oh no. Oh no no no.
Gwyn felt her legs go weak and she reached out and tried to steady herself on a bookshelf but she missed. The floor came hurtling toward her as she fell.
“Miss Reinhart!” Sansa cried out and she quickly knelt next to Gwyn, putting a hand under Gwyn’s arm. “Are you alright? What happened?”
“Your name is Sansa… Sarkas.”
“Y–Yes, is… is that a problem?”
Gwyn’s eyes stung with tears, and the girl just kept looking at her in confusion. It was then that Gwyn saw it. Sansa with her straight dark brown hair, which was neatly twisted into a long, singular braid. Her red-orange eyes, fiery against her complexion, stared back with a mix of surprise and a bit of timidness.
That same facial structure. Her height almost matched Gwyn’s, which was uncommon amongst the girls in the academy.
She looked so similar to him now that she focused.
Gwyn’s voice got very quiet. “Do you know Raafe?”
Sansa’s eyes widened as her hand jerked back. “How do you know my brother?”
No no no. She doesn’t know.
All the pain that she kept inside came rushing out, so much with such force that she didn’t even hesitate to use [Frozen Heart]. As it settled in, the absence of emotions hit her like a slap that made her realize she instantly messed up.
Her eyes darted left and right, and she breathed out when she didn’t see Roslyn. She looked up at Sansa… and realized she had to keep her promise.
She let go of [Frozen Heart] and all of the emotions came crashing back. She sobbed.
Sansa moved closer and grabbed her hand.
“Miss Reinhart, what happened? Where is my brother? I haven’t seen him in so long.”
Gwyn looked up through blurry eyes. “I’m so sorry… H–He saved me.”
Sansa’s entire body went rigid. “Raafe’s… dead?”
Gwyn tried to breathe, her chest feeling heavy as if it were being compressed. She never thought she'd come face to face with someone from Raafe's life again. The day he saved her from the bandits, the day he was fatally injured, had been etched into her mind.
The day she realized she wasn’t strong enough.
A lesson she was reminded of when Emma died.
Sansa's grip on her hand tightened, the warmth of her palm radiating against Gwyn’s cold fingers. “Please, tell me everything. I deserve to know,” she implored, her red-orange eyes searching Gwyn’s face for answers, her breath quickening. Gwyn’s eyes settled on Sansa’s heaving chest as the girl struggled to maintain herself.
Gwyn gulped down the lump forming in her throat. “This was two years ago, and not a moment goes by where I don’t remember it vividly. He was working as a guard for Onas Fenren and we were near Larton,” she began, her voice trembling, “There were bandits. They wanted to... I don’t even know what. Raafe, he... he stepped in front of me. He fought them but...” Tears blurred her vision again, making it harder for her to continue. “He was hurt. I made sure the man who did it died. We made it to the town, but... it was too late.”
Sansa's other hand rose to cover her mouth, a muffled sob escaping her lips. The weight of their shared grief hung between them like a dark cloud.
“He... he always wanted to protect others,” Sansa whispered, her voice choked. “But who was there to protect him?”
Sansa stumbled and Gwyn reached out to steady the sun elf who looked so similar to her older brother.
The agony in her words, the raw pain of a sister who had lost her closest ally, mirrored Gwyn’s own guilt and heartache. The two girls clung to each other, finding solace in shared sorrow and the memories of a brave man who had left too soon.
“I…” Gwyn hesitated, choking back a sob. “I tried to save him. But I was too little, and I wasn’t strong enough. I didn’t even know my magic well then,” she said through the tears. “He was supposed to be by my side, my very first knight.” She swiped at her tears. “In my heart, he still is, you know? Always was.”
Sansa’s expression softened as she processed this. “He used to talk about wanting to be a knight. From my earliest memories, he'd pretend to joust with sticks, dreaming of the honor and responsibility.”
Gwyn's eyes welled up again, her voice barely a whisper. “I had promised him, told him he would be my knight. But they... they took him before I could make that happen.” A weight settled in her chest, thick with regret.
Sansa stared into Gwyn’s own and seemed to see the depth of Gwyn’s affection for Raafe. “Could we maybe find a quiet corner? Talk about him more? I think it'd help, knowing he wasn’t alone.”
Gwyn nodded, her voice thick. “I’d like that. Raafe... he was like a guiding star when I first landed in Eona. I owe him so much.” But as they began to rise, an ominous shadow cast over them, and a biting voice followed.
“Sansa.”
Ashryn stood there.
Sansa stiffened immediately, jerking her hands back from Gwyn and standing taller as she tried to wipe away traces of her tears. “M-Milady,” she stammered.
Ashryn's glare was fixed on the two girls. “What is the meaning of this?”
The deep dread in Sansa's eyes was evident. “We... we were discussing my brother.”
Ashryn's eyes moved over to Gwyn, now standing defensively. Her disdain was palpable. Without warning, she reached out, grabbing Sansa’s arm in a vice-like grip, pulling her closer. “I explicitly warned you to keep your distance from her.”
The world seemed to blur and tunnel for Gwyn, her anger rising swiftly, fiery and fierce. She felt the telltale warmth of her magic swirling inside.
Gwyn's eyes burned with a fire few had seen. She took a step towards Ashryn, her voice low but filled with a terrifying intensity. “Release her. Now.”
Ashryn, in all her nobility, scoffed, her nose in the air, even as a glint of fear flashed behind her eyes. “She is my personal servant. It's within my rights to—”
Sansa managed to yank her arm free, and immediately tried to explain, “Milady, I was just—”
The sharp sound of Ashryn’s slap echoed in the library. The act itself seemed to slow time, and Gwyn's protective instincts roared to life.
Gwyn’s vision went red.
Without thinking, Gwyn lunged forward, her fingers wrapping around Ashryn's throat. The momentum forced the high elf back, pinning her against a bookshelf, making the neatly stacked books tumble around them. She lifted the shorter girl off the ground, her eyes blazing with anger. “If you so much as lay a finger on her again, you'll regret it,” Gwyn hissed, her face inches from Ashryn's, ensuring the message was clear.
Ashryn's eyes bulged, her mouth opening and closing in silent gasps.
“Nod. Nod if you understand,” Gwyn's voice left no room for defiance.
Ashryn's head bobbed rapidly, desperate for release.
Lowering Ashryn until her feet contacted the floor, Gwyn turned to Sansa, whose hand was still cupped over her reddened cheek. “Why? Why are you serving her?”
Sansa's tear-filled eyes met Gwyn's, her voice shaky. “Her House holds my family's debts. Until it's cleared, we are bound to them as their servants.”
Gwyn's expression darkened even more. “But you're not an adult…”
Sansa, with a resigned sigh, replied, “That doesn't change anything.”
Fury bubbled within Gwyn as she turned back to Ashryn, whose color had faded from fear. “You will tell me the amount of their debt, and I'll see to it that it's cleared. And once that's done, every single member of her family will be free from your House’s clutches.”
However, before Ashryn could muster a response, a familiar voice pierced the tension. “Gwyn! Release her at once!”
Roslyn stood at the end of the aisle, her purple eyes widened in shock and fear. “She had no right, Roz,” Gwyn shot back defensively, her grip still tight around Ashryn's throat.
“Let her go, Gwyn. Right now.”
With a final, venomous glare at Ashryn, Gwyn relented, releasing the girl. Ashryn collapsed, coughing and clutching her throat, gasping for air. Gwyn's hands trembled, the weight of her actions settling in, while Roslyn's stern gaze bore into her.
Roslyn stepped forward, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and warning.
“She harmed Sansa. She needed to be reminded of her place,” Gwyn growled. “She doesn’t own her.”
“We will handle this,” Roslyn assured, glancing warily at Ashryn. “But not like this.”
Gwyn nodded, her anger slightly abating. She reached out to Sansa, pulling the young girl into a protective embrace. “I won’t let this stand. I promise. It’s the least I can do. For Raafe.”
Sansa nodded and squeezed Gwyn before she gently pulled away.
Ashryn got to her feet, her chest heaving from the mix of anger and lingering fear. Her face red with rage and a lack of oxygen. “You… You'll regret this.”
Gwyn’s icy stare bore into Ashryn’s defiant eyes. “I suggest you choose your next words carefully,” she whispered, her voice dripping venom. “Because if you say one more damn thing that pisses me off, I swear, you won’t have any teeth left to utter another syllable.”
A sudden shift in the room’s energy caught Gwyn’s attention.
Turning her head slightly, she spotted Amari and Khalan approaching with brisk steps. The deep frown on Amari's face, and Khalan’s clenched fists, told Gwyn they knew something had happened. “What's going on?” Amari demanded.
Ashryn’s bravado wavered, her gaze flitting between Gwyn’s unyielding stare and the approaching figures of the paladins.
Gwyn advanced a step, crowding the high elf into the bookshelves. “You will provide the information I asked for. By the weekend. And when I come for Sansa's family, they better be in perfect condition.” She leaned in closer, her breath cold against Ashryn’s ear. “Because if you even think of crossing me, I promise, every last stone of your estate will be ashes in the wind.”
Just as Ashryn made to leave, letting her shoulder forcefully collide with Gwyn’s, the latter's reflexes sprang into action, shoving the high elf back against the bookshelf. Their faces inches apart, the tension between them could have been cut with a knife.
Through gritted teeth, Ashryn hissed, “You may have just made the most formidable enemy of your life.”
With a smirk, Gwyn retorted, “Darling, my life's been nothing but filled with formidable enemies since I arrived. Ask the crown prince or look for the bodies of the people I’ve killed. But let me make one thing abundantly clear; harm Sansa’s family, and you'll understand just how far I'm willing to go.”
Comments
Marmot
Perhaps Ashryn is protected by some noble web of relationships or something, but mostly she seems to talk big without knowing who she's threatening. Taenya worked with Raafe too. I don't know what the paladins are thinking, but most of her house is going to back her.
BelligerentGnu
Well, the Roslyn parts were painful, but gods Gwyn letting herself loose is so very sweet.
Somebody
If Gwen ends up burning down someone's estate one day, I wouldn't even be surprised.
