Life and Work of Gunilla Cragfall

The world has many many names and many many more worlds that similar to one another but can be very different, some great adventurers use magical gates or dimensional spells to travel in between worlds either solving quests or mysteries or taking out corruption or discovering lost treasures that been lost throughout time and space, however, there’s is one more world, a small world, that was recently born, that world is called “ Swoerus” in this world, nobility runs this world, commoner life is either trash or street rats or are used as slaves for nobility. Middle class citizens are pretty similar but are treated with more respect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WHACK! A slender and sharply pointed two-edged blade was flung forward when someone took a step forward with their right foot. The tip of slender and sharply pointed stick was thrust into something, and not just something but into the tightly wrapped and almost person sized hay, wearing high quality armor of steel. Tink! was heard, and a growl of frustration followed.  “God dammit!” Someone shouted out, whipped the blade back, and tried again.  Another TINK was heard, steel armor didn’t dent.  More frustration. “WHY *WHACK* CAN’T* WHACK* THIS DAMN THING BE DENTED! *WHACK*” Someone shouted again.  The shout belonged to a young female,who was hitting the person-like hay three times. TINK, TINK and TINK echoed with each whack. “Milady Cragfall, that's because the armor is STEEL, not easily dented compared to cheap stuff” Someone else, spoken, much older with a bit huskier tone, sighing, indicating that he is male. “Demitri, you could’ve warned me!” a female voice said, in some sort of haughty tone, as the girl turned to look at a man named Demitri. Demitri was man with average height, mousy brown hair that was pull back in short ponytail, dark green eyes with some light freckles on on his cheeks, He wore stranded chain mail guardsmen outfit, with two swords attach to his right hip, the color of chain mail was silvery color, but front of it have Emblem, Emblem is grayish black bear with orange as background and straight purple line behind the bear, indicating he is working for noble family “ Milady, I have numerous times, you just don’t listen” he sighed, looked at girl in front him, well more down at her “ How about you take break, you been training for quite a while now” he said, as girl huffed, but she realized Demitri is right, she been training since dawn, and it's about noon now, she tsked, kicked the steel armor in anger before walking to fountain, Guardsman followed few steps behind her, watching girl drink from fountain, even cleaning her face and hands of grim and sweat “ Demitri, instead of watching me, how about you drink some water too, you been watching since dawn without food or water” Girl said looking at her Guardsman. “ Milady-” “ Gunilla, Call me Gunilla, we known each other for four years, Demitri, I know your family” Girl who introduced herself as Gunilla said sharply, as he looked down, it was true that Gunilla knows his family, often talks about them with her, he sighed, against his better judgement “ As you wish, Milady Gunilla” Guardsman bowed, place fist to his chest as he bowed to her “ Drop Milady too, geez, I don’t want to reminded about my status every goddamn day” Gunilla growled. He looked at Gunilla, he frowned without thinking “ Milady, you are heir to Cragfall family, due to being firstborn child, I cannot stop calling you Milady, if your father notices me being even bit friendly with you, He’ll have my head” Guardsman said with serious look, but realized he went too far “ I’m sorry milady….Gunilla, that was out of line” he tries to make amends, damage is done, Gunilla looked away without emotion “ Leave me” Gunilla commanded, guardsman closed his eyes, inhaled, slam his fist to his chest plate and said “ As you wish, Milady” and he turned and went back to castle. Gunilla's hands were on the fountain, she inhaled and exhaled trying not to show her temper, then she looked at herself in the fountain. Seeing her reflection that looked at her. She has dark brown hair with a reddish tint to it that was pulled back into an undercut top knot, she remembers the day that she cut her hair, her father and mother threw a huge hissy fit over it and had the human lady executed. She even dyed the front part of her hair blond using some yellow dye she got from a merchant in town, lucky for him, he left town before her parents could kill him. But as for her, she was grounded in her room for a year with minimum stuff to do. She chuckled to herself, not regretting cutting her hair nor dyeing it. But then she frowned, she felt bad for the human lady that cut her hair, but no matter what she says, her parents don’t listen, well, mostly her father doesn't listen, her mother gathers facts first before striking. She didn’t know the human name, but she remembered the lady talking about her son that lives with her parents, often sends money to them, in hopes they forgive her for not stopping execution, however, her grandparents forgave her because to them, seeing this heir trying to make amends is admirable. But the son couldn't forgive Gunilla for getting his mother killed and cursed her name and swore revenge. She let out a shaky sigh, remembering that little human boy threatening to take her life in future was scary but understandable, she hopes he forgives her in future. She looked at herself some more through her reflection. She has sharp features, which she must’ve inherited from her mother. A face with a long, powerful nose, very high cheekbones and pointed chin. She has emerald, green eyes, she also got from her mother, she was sort of glad that she inherited her looks from her mother but minus the hair color and hair, she got her father’s hair, much to her annoyance. She felt a presence watching her “Demitri, I told you to leave me-” She turned, her eyes darkened, she frowned deeply “what are you doing here, Jimmy?” She coldly said About 10 feet away from her, was another guard but this one had a long great sword on his back, in similar mail as Demitri but he was buff and bald with a great scar across his face, a gift to him, as he said from her father, brown eyes that held nothing but coldness, as Gunilla called him, Jimmy. Only difference in armor was that Jimmy got a cape on his, indicating he’s a higher-ranking guardsman. Jimmy rolled his eyes, not scared nor concerned about her coldness toward him “I came here to take Demitri place, its royal rule here, if one guard is dismissed, another is replaced, lucky for you, you got me, Milady “Jimmy explained, his arms crossed, Gunilla can feel coldness when he said, Milady “We don’t want heir to be killed by assassins do we?” He asked with a sneer, Gunilla eye twitch, eyes narrowed on Jimmy, before rolling her eyes “Please, I don’t need protection from assassins, I can protect myself, Jimmy” she said with a huff and coldness within her tone. She doesn’t trust Jimmy, mostly because he is the right hand of her father, and he can be just as cruel as her father, probably more so, if he wasn’t working for her father. “Really? Heh, I doubt it, Milady” Jimmy sneered, standing in front of Gunilla, he was taller by a lot, you see, Gunilla is a dwarf, about 4’11, while he’s like 5’9, Gunilla eye twitch, Jimmy is standing dangerous close and is in her personal space, she clench her fists, wanting to hurt him, he’s like few years younger than her, Yes, Gunilla is older than some of her guards, Jimmy is like 27, Demitri is 25, while Gunilla is whooping 30, however, in dwarven society, She’s still consider young child, much to her annoyance, she calmed herself, it won’t help her if she strikes him, so, she stares coolly up at him, however, Jimmy snickered and said “ I thought so” before Gunilla knew it, she pulled her fist back and punch Jimmy right in the manhood, as Jimmy eyes widen, almost comical, as he went down holding his manhood groaning, Gunilla wince little then smirked “ First rule, always expect unexpected, Jimmy boy” Gunilla stated, before leaving wounded Jimmy on ground, headed back into the castle, proud and yet shame that she did that, but, Jimmy knows how to push her buttons, She really need to work on controlling her temper.  *Noble Library*   Gunilla sits down in chair, smaller chair because she can’t reach taller chairs. Basically, an oak stool, she would attempt to jump up bigger chairs, but she didn’t want to risk jumping, especially with a lot of books she’s been reading over and over. She sighed, looking around the library. Library was full of nicely made walnut shelves that hold scrolls, leather bound books and hard back cover books, from there, tables were made from nice oak, giving room nice relaxing vibe, though it would be relaxing if the guards weren’t standing in front of entrance, watching the shadows with critical eye and protecting Gunilla, who simply ignored them, looked around some more, Castle was made of stone, not just any stone but fine Sandstones, she study the stones to see anything different, but whoever build this was smart and amazing, Gunilla couldn’t find anything wrong, its seems her father wanted this place to be perfect, she sighed once more. Then she looked to fireplace, it felt comfortable warm in library, fire was going in fireplace where family crest of Cragfall family stood proudly up with swords in X behind the family crest. Young heir looked at the family crest, her eyes narrowed, as she remembered what her former tutor taught her about the meaning of her family crest. “Color of Orange. Ambition, gaining power through weapons and slavery” Gunilla muttered to herself, staring at that color of orange “Purple. Becoming Noble through common means, thus becoming powerful within those means.” She looks at the purple in the middle of the orange “Purple once more, also shows Military strength, showing power and means” She softly muttered, frowned more due to the meaning of her family crest.  “The bear, strength and cunningness. Shows through strength, deception, cunning and persuasion is key to power.” Gunilla muttered softly, then her eyes stared at the motto that is in dwarven “ Powrumm tul Khrum, Khrum tul Powrumm '' she read them, her eyes turning sad for a moment “in Translation. Power is all,  All is power.” Gunilla sighed, it was a nice family crest, but the meaning behind such a family crest is just darkening and cruel. Gaining nobility through Weapons and slavery? Gunilla slammed her fist on the table in anger. “I hate that, I really hate that. Weapons part is fine, because many countries and kingdoms need them, as do many great adventurers '' Gunilla muttered, pretty much talking to herself “Slavery on another hand, is inhumane and not right” young heir smash her fists on oak table in anger. Two guards flinched at the sound of fists hitting a table, then glanced at each other, showing concern. Both guards wore the same guardsmen outfit, similar to the first guardsman, however, one of the guards is a female, making the design of the guardsmen outfit more feminine like. “Hey Roxane, should we...Ya know talk to her?” Male guardsman turns to the female guardsman, calling her by her name. Female named Roxane, just scoffed at what Male guardsman said, “Do you want to be killed, Timothy?” She asked  “Well. No” Guardsman said with a sigh, before adjusting his helmet “But, Milady seems to be distressed, I mean, look at her, she is punching that poor table!” Guardsman pointed at Gunilla, who was indeed punching the poor table.  “......” Female guardsman stared for a moment “well...maybe we could.” Female guardsman muttered out of concern about milady, before shaking her head and punching male guardsman in the arm “hold up, we can’t, remember the rule?”  “Which rule?”  “Seriously?”  “Yes, there’s is lot of rules, Roxane” “I-well, good point, Timothy” “Thank you, but which rule?” “Ah, yes. I Think it was rule 6” “Never eat in the same room with the nobles?” “Uh...no. That’s rule 7” “Oh. Erm, OHHH, never talk with the nobles unless they speak to you directly” “Yup, that one” “Ugh, what a stupid rule” “Timothy!” “What? It is stupid rule!” While the guardsman and guardswoman argued, the noble lady that we were talking about was calming down now, sighing as she looked at the table, hardly any dent or a crack on the oak table.  For a moment, she relaxed back in the chair, rubbed her forehead, for split second, intense headache kicks in making young noble wince at sudden pain before she blinks, the pain was gone, she furrowed her brows, lately, she been having split second intensity headaches, she might need to talk to family Physician soon… “Excuse me, milady” Gunilla looked up, seeing the guard that was guarding the entrance, standing behind him was the female guard who’s sighing.  “Yes?” the young noble asked, raising an eyebrow toward this guard, what was his name again? She knows about guards but there are so many throughout the castle to remember all these guards, though, she was pretty sure his name starts with a T. “Are you okay, milady?” The guard asked, removing his helmet, holding it underneath his arm. This man has short curly chestnut hair with light brown eyes that showed mischievously in them. Gunilla studied him for a moment, her eyes lit up. Ah, now I remember his name, Gunilla thought. “I’m fine, Timothy” Young Noble said, looking away, keeping her face clean of emotions. Briefly the guardsman looked surprised about how this noble knew his name before talking once more. “I’m not sure about that, you seem to be in distress over something, if you like Milady, Roxane and I are willing to listen” Guardsman offered with a smile before he was slapped on the back of his head by the guardswoman. “Don’t push your luck, Timothy. Sorry, Milady, he’s an i***t” Guardswoman said bowing her head, it was hard to see her features due to the helmet, forcing Guardsman to bow his head. “Ow ow ow” Guardsman winced, being forced to bow. Their height difference was sort of funny, Timothy is like 5’8 while Roxane is like 5’2. “That's...kind of you” The young noble said with an unsure voice, she wasn’t close to any of the other guards, mostly because of one or two things. First problem, is that some of the guards think Gunilla is a snobby little princess that doesn’t care and two? Guards are also scared of her father. Her father is rather…. cruel man that doesn’t care much about commoner guards often punish them over something stupid like a spilled wine.  She blinked watching these two guards playfully fight before Roxane elbowed the friendly male guard right in the gut, causing him to go down holding his stomach. “Anyway, we shall go back to our post, Milady, sorry for the bother,” the female guard said, grabbing and pulling Timothy up, who was still groaning in pain. “That hurt a lot more than it should, are you working out?” He asked softly, as the female guard rolled her eyes, as they both headed back to their post. Gunilla watched them go for a moment before she sighed and called out “Wait” her words came out like a command, she wanted to facepalm, she didn’t mean for it to come out like that. Both guards stopped immediately, they turned at same time to look at the young noble, for a brief moment, Gunilla saw fear in their eyes before Timothy smiled, the fear vanished instantly from his eyes “What is it, Milady?” he asked.  “First off-” Gunilla hopped off the stool, marched up to them, looking up at them with a serious look, male guard stare, concern and unsureness was clear on his face, his helmet still in his hands. Huh, her eyes are…. emerald, green, they’re quite beautiful, Timothy thought, staring. Pretty…. wait...bad Roxane, Roxane thought, mentally slapping herself, she was also looking at Gunilla, though she stopped and looked away, crossing her arms over her breastplate. “Drop the milady part. I really hate being called that” Gunilla sighed “Erm...then what should I call you?” male guard asked after breaking his stupor. “Gunilla.” She said, as she held her hand out for them to shake, both guards just stared at this young noble with a look of pure shock, then looking at one another like what the hell should they do? Female guard cleared her throat “I-well this unorthodox, mil-I mean ma’am, oh um” the female guard who usually had her emotions in check was now sputtering, didn’t know what to say. On the other hand, Timothy shook off his surprise and grinned “Well, nice to meetcha, I’m Timothy Garnder” He shook her hand with great enthusiasm, for a moment, he paused. Her hands are soft, but I can feel her callus, she must have been training for a while. Interestingly, this isn’t typical noble, Timothy thought as he let go of her hand, giving his partner a gentle elbow jab to stop her rambling.  “Oi, Rox, calm down, it isn’t end of the world” Male guard said, rolling his eyes, as female guard finally stopped, looked down at Gunilla “Sorry mi- I mean Gunilla, I’m not used to this” She admitted, taking off her helmet, place it underneath her arm. Female guardsman was rather petite in the face, however two noticeable scars across her face, first one is a small one down her lip, second one is cross her nose, making her freckles quite noticeable. Roxanne has cropped short, spiky and inky black hair, her eyes a shocking color of gold. Roxane rubbed the back of her neck, looking nervously at the young noble in front of her. “It's quite alright, if it makes you uncomfortable, you don’t have to do it” Young noble said with a gentle smile, Roxane stare at this girl in front of her, before sighing “Give me some time, then I will perhaps call you by your first name in about 3 months” Gunilla didn’t mean to smile big like that but for the first time, she can have friends among these guards, showing them she's nothing like her father and hopefully learn about the outside world more. You see, Gunilla wasn't allowed outside to see lower quarters or travel with her father, to see more of the world, either he was afraid of that an assassin will kill his heir or don’t trust the people that could brainwash Gunilla, either way or for whatever reason, this young heir is rather rebellious, will often sneak out to meet someone, learn about the world somewhat in a way but now since these two guards are friendly, even though one of them is sightly cautious, she can learn more. “Well, I’m Roxane Leafarm, my friends call me Rox or Anne” Roxane introduced herself, as Gunilla and Roxanne Shaked hands. Roxane noticed same thing that Timothy noticed but instead keeping it to herself, she flat out said it “Your callus seems rough and consistent, like you barely wear anything to protect your hands and often held a weapon tightly” Timothy facepalmed, Roxane wasn’t done yet, she turned to see Gunilla hand, seeing rough patches of callus on the palm “So far, it's been treated probably by your maids or physician. Mm, way your hand feel, you probably use herbal or honey, which is great to smooth the skin, but I think my Mam herbal tonic could help with callus scaring and your skin” Roxane casually explains while holding the young noble’s hand, showing serious look. Male guardsman cleared his throat, female guardsman looked at him, seeing him pointed at his hand, she furrowed her brows before her eyes widen, looked to the young noble “oh sorry, my mom makes stuff, not sure what profession is called but her herbal tonic could help” Roxane explained as she lets go of young noble hand. “I believe Roxane, your mother is an apothecary, who is very fascinating, I would love to try that herbal tonic” The young noble said with a small smile across her face. “R-really?” The guardswoman looked surprised, but smiled, nodding “Alright, I will ask my Mam if she has any left” “Alright, just send a letter to me” The young noble said, looking up at the guardswoman who nodded. However, the guardsman held his chin with his free hand and asked, “Why not come with us today to the village?” “Timothy!” The guardswoman punched Timothy in the arm “Ow! Oh, come on, we can show our parents that not all nobles are bad” The guardsman rubbed his arm. “I know that, but we don’t know each other that well!” The female guardswoman huffed “For all she knows, we could be killers” she added “I-well-fair point” The guardsman blinked, seeing his friend point about inviting this young noble that barely knows him and his friend. “Uh, I’m right here, Timothy, Roxane.” Young noble said, raising her hand up, so she could get their attention. “Thanks for the offer, however, I cannot leave the castle, Father forbid me from leaving the castle grounds” The young noble sighed, showing great disappointment on her face. “WHAT?!” Roxane and Timothy shouted at the same time, looking stunned “SHHH” The young noble shushed two guards, since they were loud. “Sorry” Both muttered, lowering their tone to a whisper. “So, like, you are not allowed to leave castle grounds at all, Gunilla?” The guardsman asked “Sadly yes, Timothy, I cannot leave, unless it's a party with other noble families” Gunilla sighed “Do you ever sneak out?” the guardswoman asked Too many times, Gunilla thought in her head as she looked at two guards as she sighs “No” She lied smoothly, looking away, looking sad “I tried so many times, always get caught by another guard or by Jimmy” She let out a venomous tone at the name, jimmy. “Ah, Captain butthead, that guy needs to chill, better yet, disappear” Roxanne said without a care. “I agree with you on that” Timothy nodded in agreement. “huh? You guys know Jimmy?” the young noble asked with a head tilt “Yes, he’s our captain, crappy one, he doesn’t care about us, commoners, So, he calls us names. While treating guards with noble backgrounds like their kings. I never want to punch someone, until he pits me against Sir Chamberfield.” The guardsman groaned Gunilla cringed, she knew about Sir Chamberfield, he’s son of a neighborhood duke in the east of Cragfall kingdom, the cockiest but coward knight you ever met who can barely even hold rapier correctly. “At least he pitted you against Sir Chamberfield, I had to face Sir Auberdieu and Mévouirac” The guardswoman huffed, arms crossed her breastplate chest. “oh, hell no” The young noble said with look of disgust and anger “Those two are the worst” She added “Ah, you know them?” The guardswoman asked “Yes, unfortunately, those two are the most sexist pigs I have ever crossed. Don’t get me started on their combat level.” the young noble stated with shake of their head “and very perverted too and don’t know when to take a no for an answer” Gunilla added “Ugh,” The guardswoman groaned “I don’t know how many times I told them no, not all commoner women want to sleep with them, like what the hell” The guardswoman added “Or nobility women” The young noble nodded. You see, Sir Auberdieu and Sir Mévouirac are childhood friends, and neighbors to each other and South to Cragfall kingdom, these two are sexist pigs and think every woman wants to sleep with them. They’re not well-liked by any of the females both nobility and commoners alike. “I find it bullshit that Jimmy, pit you against two of them, those two are crappy swordsmen” The young noble said “Me too, but complaining won’t help, So, I just kick their asses, no matter how pissed Jimmy gets” The guardswoman grinned “That besides, yeah, I cannot leave” The young noble sighed. “Well, we can meet here again” The guardsman suggested “That is actually brilliant, Timothy” The guardswoman said, smiling “Oh no, I cannot have you two risking yourselves to talk to me and give me that tonic” The young noble shakes her head immediately. “What’s the worst that can happen? Death? Hahaha” The guardsman laughed for a good minute, before seeing Gunilla face “wait, your parents kill anyone that talks to you?” he looked surprised, even the guardswoman looked surprised. “Wouldn’t put it past them. They killed a simple human lady that cut my hair” The noble said, rubbing the back of her neck “I didn’t even get her name, but she mentioned her son a lot that lives with her parents, I believe his name was Ozzie. One time I successfully sneaked out, I paid them a visit, and gave them money.” The young noble looked down “Her parents forgave me, even accepted money to pay for her funeral, however, her son, Ozzie, didn’t. He swore revenge on me” She looked sad but understanding “But I understand that I didn’t stop execution, well I tried but failed and I took away his mother, he was only seven” The young noble Shaked with sadness and fury, clenching her fists. Timothy and Roxane looked stunned, looked to one another, they had heard tales of Cragfall family killing servants that ran away, yes, but they thought killing innocents that barely did anything wrong was false, hearing this from the first heir, was truly shocking. “Look, Gunilla, in any case, I rather like talking to you, you are quite an interesting individual, I will gladly risk my life to talk to you, hang out with you.” Timothy said, before kneeling down to match his height with Gunilla, placing a calming hand on her right shoulder. “Me too, besides we are friends, friends' risk everything for each other. I’m pretty sure this kid will also see that you are different, it can be tomorrow that he realizes this or in a couple of years, who knows? Future is really unpredictable and uncertain, just keep your head up, look forward” Roxanne said, copying Timothy, but her hand on Gunilla’s left shoulder.  “Heh, you two are really something” Gunilla chuckled, even sniffed once or twice, but she didn’t cry, she won’t cry here “ Well, alright, we can meet here again, and I may have idea on how we can hangout more too” She added “Oh?” The guardswoman and Guardsman raised their eyebrows, wondering what Idea this noble dwarf could have…. To be continued