I pushed back, shaking my head in annoyance as he laughed at my lack of amusement.
"Sorry, Penelope. I couldn't get any letters out where we were. I hope I didn't make you worry too much." He opened his arms back up again and I rolled my eyes. Stepping into his grasp and giving him a playful tap against his cheek.
"That's for making me worry, you play too much."
The buckles that held his hardened leather shoulder pads in place pinched my arms, but I didn't move away. I was happy to finally see him once again, it'd been far too long.
"I wish I could have sent you more letters. But I was rather busy in the field defending Orléa. Right, sir?" The young soldier inquired of his father as he gleamed over at him. The older man winked in response.
"Correct." He moved and reached over to all six feet of Alphonse, ruffling his chestnut brown hair, as his son had done to my own. It's obvious to see where he got it from.
His hair had grown a bit out of his typical military cut, but it just made him all the more handsome.
"Why don't you two catch up while Lieutenant Bordeaux and I head inside to speak with Father Acaba?"
I gave my father a look of distrust once he said that.
"Is this why you wanted me to take a walk with you?" My eyes narrowed as I saw into his poorly plotted plan to get Alphonse and I together. Father ignored my question. Instead, he waved us off. The three gilded and jeweled rings on his fingers shining in the light.
"Entertain young Bordeaux, I hardly see you two together in such a fashion."
The young soldier and I raised a brow to each other in question.
"Yes, Phillip, they should spend more time together. It isn't so normal for a suitor to be so long without his maiden." The lieutenant laughed in agreeance.
Alphonse made haste with a quick kiss placed on my cheek, stunning me even further with embarrassment.
"Come, let's go catch up. Ignore the old men." My friend cooed knowingly. Our fathers continued up the large platform of stairs and past the front pillars into the Alabaster Temple.
3
Once our fathers disappeared out of sight, I turned around and once more grabbed Alphonse around his shoulders to squeeze him as hard as I could. I fought back the slight dewiness trying to form at the inner corners of my eyes that I had held in at first.
"I'm so happy that you've returned," I breathed. His hand reached upwards and played with the strands of hair that surrounded my face. He was so delicate and caring until he gave the hair within his grasp a sharp tug. I gasped and released him.
"What was that for!?" I grumbled, rubbing the sensitive area of my scalp.
"I thought you would suffocate me. Imagine that, going through battle to die in the arms of my friend rather than the fae." He grinned, rolling his stiff shoulders back in a stretch.
My eyes widened in wonder as a flood of questions came into my mind now that we were alone.
"Please, will you tell me about it! What were you doing outside the wall? Did you see any fae? Tell me about the—" His hand was near my face once more, this time a finger was placed on my lips to keep me quiet.
"Shh, soldiers have to keep their secrets. Remember?" He winked before lacing the fingers of his free hand with my own, leading me off the temple grounds.
A few older women cooed in approval at the sight of us walking down the cobblestone streets of the city. Many people in town thought we were well suited to be engaged. With my father so well-known and Alphonse's own at a high station within the militia, it would only be natural for us to continue the prominence of our families by pairing us together.
If only they knew the truth.
I inspected my friend as he pulled me along, walking in front of me. His groomed, though lengthy hair was rather shiny today, inches above his shoulders now. I had to admit, he was a handsome man. Gorgeous in fact. He had one of the most lovely faces I'd seen of any of the young men in Orléa.
True, it would be lucky for any lady to say she was the object of his infatuation. I had seen many women trying to win his heart despite our engagement over the last several years of us reaching the age of eligibility. Although we couldn't wed then, being only thirteen, we could be paired together by our parents as suitors.
Even though we both had a rather strict upbringing in our households, we were never forced to wed once we came of acceptable age, unlike other families with status did to their children. It was well within their full rights to do so. But they thought it better for our love to bloom naturally, and I thank the Gods for this. He was more than a suitor for me, he had become my best friend.
I scoffed at the idea of anyone else taking his place as a soon-to-be husband.
We slowed as we headed into a small tea shop within the Park District, only a short walk from the Alabaster Temple. It was rare to see many people around here this time of the day, so it'd be nice for a more private conversation. We entered the establishment as he held the door open for me. I gave him a quick curtsy in thanks and he rolled his eyes as he smiled, placing himself at my side as he entered after me.
There were only a few people inside the tea house, sitting in large plush chairs. It was rather warm inside which was a nice change to the cool air of the autumn noon. We walked over to the front counter and knocked on it, waiting for someone to come and service us.
I straightened, the corset of my attire already pulling me in, and after even my meager breakfast of fruits while reading to my mother, it was a tad uncomfortable around my belly.
With a sigh, I turned my head to the small woman who approached the front divider, pushing her crooked glasses up her nose with a smile as she approached from a room hidden by a beaded curtain.
"What may I get for you m'lord, m'lady?" she asked with a gravelly voice.
"Two jasmine teas with milk and sugar, if you would," Alphonse said. We had both gotten the same drink since we were in our early teens.
I jutted him in the ribs with my elbow for forgetting one thing though. Making him firm the features on his face and contain a cough that threatened to expel from his throat. He groaned, and before I could jut him one more time, he finished.
"Ahem, two sugars for one of those drinks, actually."
The patron of the tea house snickered, scrambling behind the beads to the kitchen. Alphonse groaned then, reaching down to rub the side of his armored ribs, no bruise to be left thanks to that protection.
"You're so rough, it's not very ladylike," he grumbled before reaching over and pinching my bicep.
"Ow! You beast!" I exaggerated, rubbing the sore area. A bruise would be there for sure, with my unfortunate lack of armor.
"Better a beast than a fae!" He laughed, a snicker from one customer within the building caused me to grin.
"Yes, my knight. Protect me from the oh-so horrid fae as they flutter through the flowers and sprinkle their faerie dust." Alphonse rolled his eyes so hard at my comment I thought they would get stuck in the back of his head.
Almost as soon as she had left, the elderly woman returned with two teas in small porcelain cups and two saucers underneath them. She placed them on the counter in front of us before her palm stretched out awaiting payment. I reached for my coin pouch and grabbed a silver piece, placing it in her hand before accepting my tea. I could tell which one was mine from the extra sugar crystals floating across its milky surface.
I turned as Alphonse took his as well and looked for a place to sit. I scanned around trying to find the most comfortable spot. My companion, knowing my indecisiveness, made his way to a leather type loveseat, with lovely white pallicus carved into the bottom of the couch to support it as legs. The rock glittering with a faint rainbow hue even without direct light upon it.
I took a sip of my tea after taking a seat, savoring the many flavors and sweetness of the infusion.
"Ah, it's been so long since I've had this drink." A loud slurping from my right was Alphonse's reply for a quiet moment, and I took the opportunity to ask a few questions I'd been dying to have
answers to.
"So, did you get to spend time with him?" I chirped in excitement. I wanted to squeal, I couldn't contain myself to hear about life at the camp.
He knew who I was referring to, his cheeks setting ablaze with a red hue. His eyes darting around to reassure that no one was paying too close attention to our conversation. Alphonse set his tea down on the table in front of us as the corners of his mouth upturned into a smile, growing broader with happy memories.
"I did. He's not as high rank as I've come to, though. So, we didn't get to spend too much time together." "So, you could give him orders if you wanted to?" I slid him a mischievous look.
He shrugged, moving to bring the teacup to his lips.
"Ordered him back to your barracks, did you?" I gave a shrewd grin. Alphonse choked, placing a hand over his mouth to keep his tea from spraying everywhere.
"Penelope! Conduct yourself with manners!" He tried to laugh, but I could tell he was nervous about my inquiry. Alphonse cleared his throat, setting the cup back onto its saucer. "For your information, I'd never do such a thing. He did give me this, however."
He reached into his tunic, underneath the breast of his armor to pull forth a necklace. A dashing locket of carved iron shaped like the head of an eagle.
At a glance, it may seem like nothing more than a pendant. But with a quick flick of his thumb, it opened to reveal a photo of his love interest, Geoffery.
"Oh, this is just terribly romantic." I pouted, reaching forward, and lifting it up to get a better look.
"I thought so too," he replied, his smile softening once more as he glanced down to see me admiring the picture he had been given. "I was so surprised in that moment he gave it to me that I ... I kissed him."
I found it difficult to contain myself, releasing the locket as the screech of a harpy sounded in my throat and closed mouth. My eyes sparkling at the romantic commentary. It was my turn to place a hand over my lips as my shoes tapped against the floor in happiness before forcing myself to calm. I didn't need to garner any further attention from the eyes that had looked over towards us at my display.
"You did not!" I whispered as I leaned forward. I shut the locket and placed it back within the confines of his tunic and leather armor.
Alphonse nodded, "He was rather shocked. He didn't reciprocate though, my father came by to tell us to head back to our respective units immediately after." He sighed, "We were close to being found out."
"I bet you wished he had sent you to your bedrolls." I could no longer contain my lewd giggles. His hands waved by the side of his face in embarrassment as he shook his head, "Don't say such things!"
It was cute how shy he was about it.
"Alright, forgive me. It's just so wonderful that you've been seeing him more often." My hands clasped against his, placing them on our laps in happiness. I changed the subject.
"Let's speak of something else then. Tell me about the fae. Did you get to see any?"
His lips tightened, brows furrowing at my comment. I bit my lip as I awaited his response.
"They are evil, Penelope. They are as terrible as the legends foretold." I paused, waiting for him to explain even further.
"There were about a dozen of them, and they attacked us in the night." His hair fell in front of his eyes as his head tilted downwards, "and they moved so quick in the darkness they were but a blur. To this day I've never seen their faces head on. I'm not sure I would want to."
"But why did they attack? Why are they so vicious?" I implored. I always wanted to know why we were in an eternal battle with these monsters. My mind thinking back to the faerie tales my mother and I both loved.
"Because, Penelope. Because they are powerful. Because they hate to see us humans flourish. They wish for the world to be an entanglement of chaotic forests and wildlife. They are against civilized society."
His eyes burned with passion and loathing, "As soon as we set up camp outside the fort, we began the planning of their demise. We needed to press further into the woods to allocate a new pathway for traveling merchants, and to expand our borders." Once more a tense pause went by as he collected his thoughts. He was searching for the words he wanted to convey without spilling too much information to a civilian.
"We placed multiple groups of militia at various points over the eastern hills. It didn't matter though." His fingers detached from mine, and he brought them to place under his nostrils, his eyes closing for a moment as he took in a deep breath.
"By twilight, we set the entirety of the woods ablaze. It was a terrible waste of Hartwood. As soon as the smoke was high enough, the fae came to protect the trees."
My eyes searched his face, searching for any remnant of regret. I didn't find it. "Were they not defending their lands?"
Alphonse let out a solemn sigh, "They were planning to attack us before we even set the woods on fire. Our lieutenants told us so." His eyes opened as they darted towards me with a serious look. I waited, hoping that he would say something more, but he only stared. No more words came.
The building tension within him released as his shoulders fell lax, and I took the opportunity to place my palm against his cheek. My eyes focusing on his now. "It's all right, I understand if there's more you can't tell me. Don't stress yourself." He placed his hand atop my own.
"I've only another week left before I must head back south to complete my training."
"That's right! You will be in the temple of Awul this time around."
Awul was a city not too far from Orléa. Obscured by an overgrowth of trees and few roads that led to it.
Nature lived not by the rules of man there, but by its own design. Hence why it was a prime area of training Templars. Warriors trained to wipe out the existence of the fae. As morbid as it was, only the strongest soldiers were chosen to take part, by Father Acaba himself. The town and temple were named after Awul the Keeper, leader of all minor Gods and the souls that would be allowed into the EverAfter.
Alphonse nodded, standing up from his seat and helping me up.
"I'm hoping to complete my last tasks given so I can become a full-fledged Templar." His fist clenched at his side, the leathers of his gloves squeaking against the surface of one another as they met. Balled in determination. "I will do whatever I can. I will learn from the priests and their magic to destroy those wild monstrosities."
I stared at him, the display of ferociousness my friend showed was proof of how he was changing. Changing from a sweet lad I had once known him to be, and into a hardened warrior of a man. I wasn't sure if it was a good thing or not. His features softened as he smirked at me.
"I've always wanted to be a hero."
I returned his joyful smile as I slipped my arm into the crook of his now presented elbow. With our teacups empty, we stood and made our way out of the tea shop and into the streets of our city. "You could prove rather heroic if you'd escort me shopping." I beamed up at him, and he became deflated.
"Let me guess, some ball or another I'm to accompany you to?" Alphonse allowed his head to fall backward, huffing as he stared up at the sky in defeat. I pulled his arm closer towards me, fluttering my lashes even though he wasn't looking.
"Oh, please, please, please! We don't get to spend much quality time together."
His lips pressed thin, but he stood upright once more, his shoulders bouncing as he fought to straighten his back.
He opened his mouth to reply but was interrupted by the loud sound of bells ringing. We shared a look. These weren't just tolls of the changing hours, but of warning. No other words needed to be shared as we both took off towards the town square.
4
Once we made it to the main road which led through all the major districts of our town, the bells that were ringing had come to a complete halt. The streets were empty. There was no possibility that everyone was home or gone to worship. We both held a puzzled look as we heard sounds in the distance. A different sound to the normal tolls. A low guttural blowing of the horn that signified
the town meeting was about to start, the last opportunity to arrive.
Not only was it the final opportunity to arrive at the square, but when this deep sounding horn blew, it signified it was something troubling. Without a word, Alphonse grabbed my hand, releasing my elbow. Our fingers laced together as he pulled me faster with him, his pace forcing me to widen my gait.
"This isn't good, there's not a single person out here." I huffed as we rushed over the stonework of the cobbled pavement. There were two pale yellow steeples overhead of the many shops and buildings that surrounded us. This signified we were fast approaching our destination. Several monuments of our Gods passed in a blur but not a single worshipper remained.
Alphonse didn't respond as he held my hand, pulling us to a jog. He seemed worried even though there were summons every few months.
"Alphonse, not so fast!" I called out to awaken him from whatever was swirling around his head. His green eyes glanced towards me out of the corner as he pulled us closer towards the Alabaster Temple.
"Just hurry up," he grunted as he clenched his jaw.
He had to know something he wasn't telling me or wasn't allowed to. But I swallowed any more questions as the small balcony atop the tower of the oncoming temple was within our immediate vision.
In front of us, I could see the shining armored shape of Lieutenant Bordeaux rushing over to us, two acolytes in tow.
"Father." Alphonse announced as he released my hand, jogging over several strides ahead of my own in front of his father. "What is happening?"
The older man before us stopped, pulling down on the greying mustache out of stress. His eyes darting towards my presence in acknowledgment before he stood at attention.
"Not now, we must head further within the square. I cannot discuss detail at this moment." His eyes flicked back once more, and I understood.
One acolyte swayed forward. Their shape covered in loose pale grey robes. The red tapestries on either shoulder swept the dusty ground as they stepped up to the younger male. Their gender hidden by the heavy hood that covered their faces in obscurity. It was rather ominous if you hadn't grown up with the constant presence of the church around.
Taken by Fae (Humans vs Fae Book 1) Page 2
