Mysterious circumstances
1157 Words
Bleh, you will always be Nayalisia, no matter what the Tribunal says.
Naya didn't respond, and her mind drifted. Frozen in silence, the voice's mention of the Tribunal caused thoughts of her far away home to fill her mind. She missed her mother and her doting, her few friends, and their nightly gatherings. How long will this take me?
Don't worry; you will be back eventually. In the meantime, you have a human to question, right?
Naya shook the thoughts away, something she had grown used to having to do when anything reminded her of her home.
Best not worry; for now, you should focus on the human!
Naya nodded, her thoughts returned to the older male in the village. After killing the witch, she had forgotten about him; at least she got what she came for. However, the strange voice's words were correct; she should find out why he lied, lest he thinks lying to her was acceptable.
You're...
"Hm?"
...Arrogant as hell.
...
"I'm not." She thought for a second and concluded that it was only natural. She nodded her head, "I will go back."
That's a good choice!
The voice sounded excited, which reminded Naya, "Your-"
Call me Lia.
It creeped Naya out that the voice, Lia, could hear her thoughts. It meant nothing would be hidden. Even if it was from her mother, it was hard to accept.
Well, I'm sure it'll be okay, we'll be good friends!
"Friends..." That word isn't one Naya has heard in over a year since they, too, abandoned her.
You have to understand-
"I know." Naya couldn't profess her innocence then; she didn't even remember anything. Even still, she couldn't help feeling betrayed when everyone she was close to looked at her with those scornful eyes.
Lie sighed but didn't say anything.
Naya started to walk to the door and took one last glance at the human witch before opening the door and leaving. If Aleria grants you mercy, live an honest life next time.
Lia suddenly laughed. That human belongs to the devils now, same with all witches, eventually.
That intrigued Naya but made her angry, "They interfere with Aleria's cycle."
Well, let's leave it at that... You got company.
Naya picked it up a moment later, the sound of footsteps hitting the dirt. Luckily, she still had a little Arcana left to make minor attacks and boost her senses. Having someone else will be helpful.
We'll be an amazing team!
Naya nodded, then opened the door.
The outside scenery once again brought nostalgia and a sense of peace, only to be ruined by interlopers again, filling her with no minor annoyance. Humans...
A group of humans stood atop the beautiful flowers, and that was the first thing Naya noticed before turning her gaze upward.
And a Dwarf.
The group was formed with a human with his back turned, speaking with three people standing behind him; the Dwarf was small and hidden behind the human. Naya wondered how Lia knew he was there.
Lia giggled. I share your senses, so anything you see, I see. You just didn't notice.
The three people's mouths were agape and their eyes wide when they saw Naya exit the house, which prompted the leader to turn around. Then his mouth went wide, and his eyes.
"Brother, is that-" the woman started.
"Elf..." He whispered.
"The rumors were true?" The old Dwarf asked.
The last human said nothing and had a hood pulled over, preventing Naya from making out any features.
Ha! You're famous!
"Talking like I am not present, typical." Naya looked angered, speaking to Lia.
You said that out loud. Remember, I can read your thoughts!
Naya's ears twitched.
Your embarrassment is adorable!
"Forgive my companions, Madam Elf." The human man at the front bowed, which brought satisfaction to Naya.
You really are... Lia left the last part unsaid, but Naya knew what it was, though she ignored it.
The bowed man had short blonde hair and blue eyes; he wore a rugged black leather outfit with metal studs around it. At his waist was a sword, so it could be assumed he had some ability. Naya couldn't tell how effective his armor would be. I could easily pierce it.
Two of the people behind the man also bowed; one was a woman with similar blonde hair and blue eyes, likely a sibling to the man. Naya preferred her aesthetic over the man, a refined, gentle grace. It reminded her of Elven noble daughters. The girl wore black tight leather pants and a simple white cloth tunic with a black vest over it; it gave Naya the impression she was a mage. Practical.
The Dwarf bowed, and Naya looked down to see his bald head and red beard that reached his waist. The color paused Naya until she remembered that witches can only be female. The Dwarf had a large silver hammer strapped to his back and wore a thick brown apron over a dirty white shirt and thick brown pants. He gave the impression of a worker. Some sort of laborer?
You really have no understanding of life outside of Aleria.
Shut up.
The third person didn't make any movements, but Naya could feel the stare, which made her even more displeased. She didn't enjoy being stared at, especially after what happened in Aleria.
It showed on her face because the human man looked up, then turned toward the hooded person and back to Naya; his annoyance flashed through his face, "Madam Elf, please forgive Alyssa; she doesn't yet understand."
Lia laughed. This man is really sucking up to you; I had forgotten what meeting an Elf means to the other races.
Naya almost responded, but the embarrassment from earlier made her ignore it.
The group made no movements as they all stopped bowing, seemingly waiting for Naya to say something. They eyed her expectantly.
Naya slightly shook her head, "It's fine."
The man released a breath, "Thank you, Madam Elf." He straightened his back, perhaps trying to show off to her, "Allow me to introduce oursel-"
"Not necessary." Naya interrupted. Why would I care about them?
A snicker came from the hooded girl, Alyssa, and the man angrily snapped his head back.
Lia laughed again. Naya, you silly Elf, you need to let them speak! I have a good feeling about this encounter!
Naya inwardly groaned, "I..." she gulped, "...apologize... I misspoke." The words tasted sour.
Way better!
The man snapped his head back and smiled, "Forgive my presumptuousness, Madam." He cleared his throat, "What I meant was it would be our honor to introduce ourselves to you."
He paused, likely waiting for Naya to say something.
She didn't, so he continued, "Allow me to start." In an odd gesture, he brought his hand to his chest, "My name is Matthew Hale, 2nd son of Lord Hale, ruler of Albion."
Naya had no idea what that meant.
- Writer
