User blog:AngryLance/A brave new world, a scared young heart - Part 2

 Today looks like a bright, sunny day, judging from the window in the room. Two days passed since I woke up here in this foreign world, and met her. The weird yet beautiful farmer girl that saved me. Meri. Despite the trouble I’m in right now, I couldn’t stop thinking about her, her bright smile, her gentle yet energetic and playful voice, as if they inprinted on my mind. It’s rare for me to meet someone nice like that, to see that sort of open hospitality with no hangups. Not something I often seen back home...

 "You really need to stop this, Lance. You’re just being 'enamoured' with her... hot body, you don’t know if she’s really that nice or just being polite to you, a random loser she found, bleeding in a ditch. Remember the last time someone posed as your 'friend' ? Anyhow, you’re just being horny right now so snap out of it !"

 My own subconscious snaping at me again, always doing a 'good job' to keep me grounded. Shut up already ! I try to keep my mind busy or distracted, looking around at the tapestry in the room, this time giving them a better look. Yeah, I can actually stand on my legs now and even walk around for a bit, although they feel kinda numb. Like I said before, the tapestry looks beautiful, the details looking precise and accurate and the colors are vibrant. Did Meri made these ? She must be absolutely talented, I think not many people can have both the patience AND the steady hands for these. They make the modest room look way more livelier than it is... not that it was bad to begin with, mind you.

 On the nightstand were left a large bottle of orange juice, a lided bowl of mushroom stew, a... caramelised apple - Oh wow ! - and a letter reading:

 "Dear Lance, don’t worry if i’m not at home today, I have to do some chores around town and sell some fruits and vegetables so I’m going to be very busy. I left you some stew, juice and a little desert to brighten your day   . I also asked my friend Lina to see you when I'm not here. She has gold hair, eyes and feathers, so don’t be scared when you see her. She is so nice, I know you will get along with her just fine. Remember to eat and rest well.

 Yours truly, Meri (uwu)"

 Wow. Sometimes I feel she’s a bit too coddling. Or maybe i’m just not used to this much affection from one person alone. All this happy atmosfere just doesn’t mesh well with my horrid memories; she keeps saying I should sleep well but all I can do is toss and turn because I still have bloody nightmares from everything that happened and sometimes I could swear I’m still hearing... the growls and hisses at night, expecting them to jump at me... I wish it would just stop... Sigh. Yeah, keep looking at the tapestry, 'Twitchy’.

 Speaking of tapestry, I noticed something hidden behind one of them. Two pictures. First of all, they have photographs here ? Second, this is seriously intimacy violation but I can’t help but be intrigued as to why were they hidden. One of them showed a little cow girl, likely Meri - My God, she’s so adorable ! -, and the other showed a snake girl ! In a school uniform ! - They actualy have schools here ? - She has white scales and hair and red eyes. I wonder who she is, perhaps another friend of Meri ? I loose track of time inspecting these when I hear someone at the door: "Hello ? Are you awake ? I’m going to come in now". I panicked, rushing to put the pictures back where I found them, quickly sit back on the bed and answer to the voice: "Uh, okay ?”. Scared the crap out of me.



 She then comes in the room. And I’m totally awe-struck by her beauty. If you could fuse 'modesty’ and 'majesty’, you would get her likelyness. If King Midas had a daughter with a sun goddess and worked as a maid, it would be her. As described in Meri’s letter: gold hair, eyes... feathers and fur tail. Huh. And she seemed to be every bit the sweet lady Meri said she was. However, while Meri was rather clumsy but cute, playful and energetic, Lina seemed more demure, gentle and mature. As a gesture of curtesy she holds her dress with both hands and bends her knee and bows her head.

 Lina: "Greetings. I understand that Meri has told you about me, yes ?”

 Lance: "Uhm, yeah, of course. Lina was it, right ? I’m Lance Thompson.”

 Lina: "Yes. Lina Lightfoot, at your service. Happy to meet you, Master Lance ! Meri has asked me to look after you when she is gone with work in town. She also told me your health was improving, which is a great relief for us. We were not sure if you...”

 Lance: "Yeah, yeah, I get it, I was near death. And thanks to you and Meri I’m fine now, really. See ? I can stand up now, there’s no need to worry.” - I promptly stand up to prove that.

 There was a moment of silence. My tone sounded a bit irritated, as if I heard the same thing for the thousandth time.

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lina: "...Forgive us if we may have nagged or pestered you in any way. You do not seem to like talking about it, do you ?”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lance: "No, no, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap like that. It’s just... it’s just...”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lina: "It’s alright. I understand if it makes you feel unconfortable. Recalling such events can be scarring for the mind and anything reminding you of it will always feel like a poke in the heart or brain, if a may say so.”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lance: „That’s uh, actually a very apt description, spot on even. Wait, did you just called me 'Master’ earlier ?”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lina: "Fufufu ! Yes, silly me, I keep forgetting that I’m no longer a maid. Sigh. Old habits never die, fufu.”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lance: "You used to work as a maid ? Uh, what happened ?”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lina: "Many years ago, I was one of many maids working for a rich nobleman here in Mirefield, but one day he lost all his fortune in a gamble, there was nothing we could do. It was his greatest vice and sadly, his downfall. He had no family to keep him on the straight and narrow and would rarely listen to us when we advised him against it. He never confrunted or argued with us, instead he did it in secret. If only I would have known. And so i would kindly advise you to keep away from it, too. It ruins lives.”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lance: "Thanks. I agree, gambling sucks. As an unlucky guy, I always count my blessings. You... probably noticed that by now.”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lina: "Wisely said, Mas-Lance. I’m happy to hear you take good caution.”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lance: „Yeah. Until now.”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lina: "Now you seem to talk about your mishappening with more ease. Is there something you could remember ?”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lance: "Well, I guess I can’t be cranky about it forever. Altough I still can’t remember exactly who's beaten the crap out of me. I... know for sure I had some stuff that are gone now. Definitely muggers. I arrived at night so that’s how they must’ve blindsided me.” - Oh yeah, this is one hell of a lie. It’s not like you could explain your REAL story, even to someone like her because it's flat out messed up -.

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lina: "Muggers ? You mean highway men ? Good heavens, now I understand ! They are indeed brutal compared to most thiefs. Still, they mostly keep far away from Mirefield because of the soldiers. They must’ve followed you from the port.”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lance: "Y-Yeah, that makes perfect sense. Damnit, I should’ve been more careful !”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lina: "Have you lost something important ?”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lance: "No, just travel money. Crap, I’m pennyless now !”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lina: "No need to be panic. You can stay here until you get yourself back on your feet, both physically and financially. I’m sure you could find some work in our humble town. It’s easy to find someone in need of paid help around here. Not to mention that both me and Meri are willing to share some spare money if you truly need it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lance: "... Really ? Just like that ? - Wow, so no interviews, qualifications and needed experience ? This is gonna help - I can’t thank you enough. Both you and Meri. Oh, speaking of jobs, what happened after you lost your maid job ?”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lina: "Soon after I found a job at a tavern, just at the edge of the village part, and I’m still there even to this day. If you feel like refreshing yourself you can always stop by for a drink, fufu.”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lance: "Oh, so you’re a barmaid now ? I see, gotta reel in customers, eh ? Hehe. Now that I think of it, I could actually use a drink. Not that Meri’s refreshments weren’t good, mind you. What do you have there ?”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lina: "We mostly have ciders from apples, pears and berries. We also have a little bit of ale and red wine, although those aren’t as refined compared to other places. Still, the people here enjoy them as is and that is what matters.”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lance: „Sounds nice, I always liked ciders... the few times I had one that is, and I never tried ale before. My taste buds just got used to cheap beer. And fizzy drinks.”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lina: "I will be sure to keep some cider for you if we make excess, sometimes we make more than we need and give it away before it spoils if it does not sell. Is there something else you would like to know ?”

<p class="MsoNormal"> I pause to look around and think of something. I don’t even know where to start...

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lance: "Did Meri made these ?”. I point to the tapestrys on the walls. Instead of more pressing topics - You moron -

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lina: "Yes she has. Do you like them ? I taught her how to do it, among many things.”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lance: "Yeah, I like them, they look so beautiful. She must be talented.”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lina: „Oh ho ho, she better be ! I spent a long time to teach her. She was so clumsy, yet so determined to practice. She got inspired as a child when her father brought her to an art gallery once and begged me to teach her since I knew how to sew. She was a bit of a slow learner but perseverent. She always listened patiently and had fun when she practiced over the years, eventualy creating the artworks you see before you. Fufufu, sometimes I considered becoming a teacher, but I already knew my calling.”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lance: "So are you Meri’s tutor or something ? How long do you know each other ?”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lina: "You could say that Meri is my protege. We’ve known each other for many years, ever since she was a child and I was a much older girl, under the employment of Alexander. Her father, a farmer named Rowan Bell, and my former master were aquintances, often talking small business and drinking together, they were quaint fellows. Me and Meri spent a lot time together, we were the best of friends. She was quite the energetic and sweet girl, and also very clumsy, she was so funny ! She was good at what her father taught her about gardening and farming, but I had to teach her about the more delicate things like cooking and sewing. I also tutored her in some basic academics, everything I learned under my master. He valued education.”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lance: "Wow. That was wonderful. You two have quite the beatiful history. I kinda envy you, having a longstanding relationship like that. But what about your families ?”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lina: "To start with the beginning, Meri was adopted by Rowan when she was a wee toddler, along with another child. Yes, Meri has a step sister. Her name was Mira. And yes, it was confusing at times. She was a different kind of demihuman, a half-snake called a Lamia. She resembled a Shirohebi, although she did not know any water magic, which was strange. She took more after Holstaurs like Meri. She also spent time a lot of time with us, although she was a lot more shy, withdrawn and even clumsier then Meri. That didn’t matter though because Meri loved her all the same, they were inseparable. And they both lived happily under Rowan’s modest roof. Sadly, the whereabouts of their true parents remain unkown even to this day.”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lance: "Wait, and what about you ? And speaking of demihumans... what are you ?”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lina: "I am a Kikimora, a 'house spirit' of work and cleanliness, if you will. Although I am merely flesh and blood just like everyone else. I was raised by the maids in Alexander’s household. I... do not know my true heritage either. This must sound so depressing to you, is it not ?”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lance: "I’m... I’m sorry to hear that. And I understand... we just can’t get a break, can we ?”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lina: "Hmm ?”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lance: "Uhm, nothing. Say, what happened afterwords when your master lost his fortune ?”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lina: "I’m afraid this is where it truly becomes sad. You see, after Alexander lost his fortune, he was forced to leave Aerith to find bussiness oportunities in order to save his finacial status. Namely, they set out to leave for a land called the Reptile Kingdom, and he asked Rowan to join him. He also asked him to bring Mira alongside him, for her kind was 'the key' for something important, something that which I never could learn more about. Rowan, wanting to help his friend and believing it was a great opportunity to offer Meri and Mira better living conditions, agreed to this. Meri was heartbroken to see both her father and sister leave for so long, but she knew they would return. Yet years have passed since then and they have not returned. Meri was left with almost no one but me to look after her. She misses her father her and sister so greatly she sometimes hides to cry a little from the loneliness; only I could hear her sometimes. Even still, she holds on to hope, believing that they would return some day. And for that, she works hard diligently to make her father proud.”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Oh God. That’s... that’s just really sad. I try my damnest to keep my tears in check. Poor girl... maybe this is why she coddled me this much, this whole time ? Lina is an admirable woman, the best companion you could ever ask for, being there for her this whole time. And now I understand who was the snake girl in the picture. This reminds me of... David. Man, I really wish I could help them.... but how ? I need to help myself, first. I just sit there silently, thinking what to say next.

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lina: "I apologise for such a desolate story, but it is what it is. And all we can do is hold on and do our best in life. I too hope that perhaps it will change for the better. And I can see it made you think. Is there something on your mind ?”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lance: "N-No, I think I understand. It was quite the story. I don’t know what to say but... I-I wish everything will work out for the both of you in the end. I’m sorry.”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lina: "It’s alright, I know it’s difficult to find the right words to such things, but I know you mean well and we apreciate your kind thoughts". She said that as she’s caressing the left part of my head and smiling. "Well, it’s getting late for me now, so I must begin work at the tavern today. I apologise once more if me or Meri seem to leave you like this, but we happen to be in a very busy time of the year, so please try to endure this for a little longer if you are feeling just as lonely.”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lance: „Oh no, it’s okay. I mean, you already done so much for me, i can’t possibly ask for more. So, again, thank you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"> She approaches the door as to leave but stops just to tell me one last thing.

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lina: "Apreciate it. And thank you as well.”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lance: "Huh ? For what ?”

<p class="MsoNormal"> Lina: "Ever since you came to us... Meri has perked up considerably. She used to be more mellow before. But when she found and brought you here, nurtured and watched you grow stronger day by day, it’s as if her will gradualy built up little by little, feeling like for once she has done a great deed for someone in need, something to lift her spirit. Something to make her father proud. And by saving you, more of her hope has restored, stronger than ever, pushing her to do her best. And for that Lance, I thank you. Have a pleasant day, fufu.”

<p class="MsoNormal"> And with that she left. So I helped Meri... by being a 'vegetable' and just laying there ? I kinda fail to see how that's ever useful or endearing to anyone, as opposed to a burden but... okay, whatever rows their boat, I guess. Although... those words left me with a feeling I haven’t felt in a very long time, so long in fact that I completely forgot how it was like. I just lay back on the bed, sinking once again in my thoughts, and feelings again. I feel both sad and happy at the same time, it’s confusing. Hearing about their hardships but also their hopes, their drive to keep moving forward, made me think. And I can't believe Meri has a sister... heh, now I know who was in that picture. I hope Meri’s father and sister are alright, maybe they are somewhere, still trying to return home, I hope...

<p class="MsoNormal"> And maybe perhaps... there’s hope for me too. Now, if only the nightmares would stop...

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">In a small tavern, after all the patrons have left, the chairs at the tables ordered and all the cups and glasses have been cleaned, a certain barmaid with a 'gold' complexion starts sweeping the tavern floor... and begins to ponder about someone...

<p class="MsoNormal">"This young man, he is not what he seems... Yet Meri has not sensed anything of him. No mere human could have possibly survived those injuries, yet he is neither a Hero of the Order, nor is he 'linked' to a Mamono from what I could tell. And no human or Mamono could possibly ever hurt someone like that. Not to mention that nowadays traveling to Aerith is extremely prohibited by the Order save for their troops, so how could he have reached our town ? And I feel he is not entirely honest about himself either. I must keep an eye on him..."