Heart of Aspira

Chapter 2 Pt. 1

When dawn came, Heart couldn't help but smile as Sirress came to a stop beside her on a white mare, her coat shinning even in the morning fog. Maisy and Niles both saw them off, after packing them a lunch and giving them a free breakfast. The duo made sure to thank them before heading out.

"So, who is the lovely mare?" Heart asked, smiling as the sun beamed down on them.

"Her name is Eriss, she has been by my side since I was a small child. She is half unicorn, you know." The Dark Elf chimed, gently stroking her neck, and relishing in the fresh air.

"She is beautiful. I have never seen such a stunning white coat before, is that from her being part unicorn?" The woman asked, her eyes shining with curiosity.

"Yes, where I am from it is called an opal coat, due to the different colors that reflect on it in the sunlight. I remember when I was little my mother and I would go out to the fields and watch them graze under the sun. It is one of my favorite memories." Sirress confessed, a small smile settling on his lips.

"I used to make flower crowns with my mother in the garden. She would braid my hair and weave flowers into it. I cherished those days and miss them so much." The hunter confessed.

"Did you lose your mother too?" Her companion asked, watching her closely.

"She was taken from us shortly after having my younger siblings. My family was never the same, and I never really got past it. She was my everything, and while I love my brothers and sisters, I hate that I am the only one who really remembers her, yeah know. They all remind me of her, and I couldn't stand being at home, so I left." Heart admitted, her voice growing soft as she spoke.

"I get it. I am an only child, but after my mother died, my father became unbearable. I would run away all the time just so I would not have to be near him. One day I just never went back. Maisy and her family helped me out until I had enough money to get a small place of my own, but I never felt the sense of home after I lost mom. It was like she took home with her when she died." The Dark Elf shared.

The ride was quiet for a while, both thinking about what they had confessed. It was an easy silence though, and after a while the conversation resumed, with Sirress asking about Urio and how she came to hunt the Veiled Ones. He asked about her home, and what kind of combat style she preferred. They talked about books and spells until they had to stop and make camp. Even then, they continued to discuss various styles of runes and enhancement spells. When they finally settled in to sleep, the woman couldn't help but be excited for what was going to come next.

It was three weeks later when the two hunters arrived at a small village. Both were tired and sore from the various battles, both horses carrying large bags filled with Veiled Ones' heads. Heart had almost decided to toss the heads until Sirress placed a rune on the satchels that canceled out their wretched scent. Raw meat, humid air and high temperatures did not make for a good combination. Now they stood outside a rundown building called the Trapp Inn. The woman was hesitant to stay in the town for longer than necessary, something had her instinct up in arms and had left her edgy.

“I’ll go see if there is a vacancy. If not, we can grab a bite to eat before we head out again. At least you’ll get a break from cooking.” The Elf offered before going inside. He made sure to keep his hood up, racism tended to be worse in towns closer to the mountains. His body tensed when four Trolls caught his scent and looked ready to jump on him. There was a woman and an elderly man at the counter, the girl glaring when she saw him.

“Are there any openings?” He kept his voice low to not draw attention.

“Sorry but the last two rooms were just claimed.” The woman stated in a snooty tone. She wore a smug smile and had crossed her arms like she had just won something.

“But we have plenty of room in the barn loft if you’d like to stay there. The hay is fresh, and we won’t even charge you for it. Wouldn’t want you out in the rain after all. It looks like a big storm is coming in.” The old man offered with a kind smile and bright eyes.

“Grandpa.” The girl hissed, only for him to harshly whisper for her to be quiet. Sirress simply nodded with a smile to the man and headed back to the door.

“Hey Heart, we can stay in the loft of the barn, so come on in and let’s eat.” The dark elf called out. As he turned to go back inside, a Troll blocked his path.

“I wonder what the lord of this land would pay me for your head?” The troll rasped out while towering over him, his friends laughing darkly from their table, at least until the blade of an axe was pressed against his throat.

“You’ll never know because I’ll kill you myself if you threaten him again.” Heart growled. While she held nothing against Trolls in general, having fought by their side in numerous wars, these four were really rubbing her the wrong way.

“That is enough, I will not tolerate fighting in my tavern. Everyone from all walks of life is welcome here, so if you wish to keep your rooms you’ll go back to your table and leave this couple alone.” The old man ordered, his tone stern enough to earn the raven-haired woman’s respect.

“You really think you can threaten us grandpa?” One of the Trolls at the table asked, standing with the others.

“He might not be able to force you out, but I bet we can, isn’t that right boys?” A large green Orc stated while moving to stand by Sirress, his men moving to flank him.

“No one asked you, you pig-skinned bastard!” The Troll yelled, only to have Heart appear before him, both axes drawn and placed against his weak points.

“Do not push me Troll. I am in no mood to deal with short-tempered fools. I am tired and hungry. Continue this idiocy and I will kill you and your comrades. You can ask my companion about my temperament if you do not believe me.” Heartfilia warned, her eyes cold and unforgiving.

“I’d listen to her if I were you. My dear friend is very protective of me and hates bullies and brutes. Both of which you and your friends are proving to be.” Sirress stated, his own blade having replaced her axe when she moved. The first Troll glared at him in fury.

“Fine, but this isn’t over.” The second Troll growled before slowly backing away from the small woman. As the first Troll returned to his table, he pushed past her.

“Freak.” He hissed, yet she chose to ignore him and continue to the bar.

“Heart?” The Dark Elf whispered, arriving at her side, concern clear in his tone.

“I’m fine Sirress, they are merely angry, their opinion of me holds no value.” The woman explained calmly while her friend sighed with a small smile.