Chapter 36 - On Her Way (1/2)

That night Lydis enjoyed talking to the other merchants from the Caravan. A gloomy dwarf whose only interest was her weapons, a few human children who loved her hair, and a rare mixed elf. After eating her fill, a nearby guard showed to the room assigned to her. It wasn't big but it wasn't small either. Just enough space to fit two queen size beds side by side.

As she was taking her things out and laying them in the small dresser on the side a knock sounded on her door.

”Can I come in?” It was Marlov.

”Sure.” The next moment the door slid open and revealed Marlov holding a ball of pink fluff.

”I believe this is 'Valfafer' right?” Marlov held up Valfafer with both hands so that he faced Lydis. She turned around and squinted at Valfafer, as if really questioning if it was him or not.

*sigh* ” Yes, it's my dog.” Valfafer began to squirm wildly, his excitement and relief at not having been thrown out was immeasurable. Valfafer was about to say 'Master!' when he realized that there was someone else with them. Swallowing his pride and ego Valfafer yipped excitedly, trying to jump out from Marlov's hands.

”Looks like he really missed you.” Chuckling, Marlov placed Valfafer on the floor and he instantly zipped towards Lydis for fear of her changing her mind. Valfafer began to rub against Lydis and raced around her legs, eager to show his love and appreciation for his master.

”Is there anything else you needed?”

”Nah, I just came to return this guy. We'll leave before dawn tomorrow so make sure he stays inside with you. If we leave him behind we won't be able to go back.”

”Thank you. I'll keep that in mind when letting him out.”

”Goodnight Lydis.”

”Goodnight Mr. Gunner.”

”Please, just Marlov is fine.” Lydis smiled and nodded her head. Marlov waved his hand and left the small room.

Valfafer stopped rubbing Lydis's legs and began sniffing the rest of the room. His attention elsewhere. Lydis sighed and went back to her bed, still sorting out the things in her bag. Near the bottom of the bag another unfamiliar object rolled out. With one from Nova and Amber Lydis could already guess who the next gift belonged to. A small box rolled out tied closed with a white string. She picked it up and gently pulled the white bow apart.

Slipping apart easily the white ribbon fell to the bed. Lydis opened the small lid to reveal a pair of small opaque marble ear studs. A little letter fell off the lid.

”Lydis, by the time you read this it means that you've left the camp already. I'm not sure what to say but these next few years will be tough for you. Don't get conceited about your talent, there are children who have trained their whole lives for the academy. Don't get into trouble. Respect your teachers. Most importantly, make some good comrades. There's never a better time to forge lasting bonds than when you're little. When you arrive in Caratas go to the academy immediately, no other stops allowed. Meet with someone with the pen name 'Haven'. They'll be your guardian until you get settled into the academy dorms. Make sure to wear the earrings I got you at all times. Be safe. Don't cause trouble. Above all else, don't forget about your family at the camp. We'll always accept you if you happen to fail somewhere else. With much endearment and sorrow of your absence, Zai.”

Lydis refolded the small letter and laughed a bit. Valfafer raised his head and turned towards Lydis.

”What's so funny master?”

”Oh nothing. Zai's just too difficult to talk with I just expected a short and unemotional letter but, surprisingly he can get pretty talkative…” Lydis flopped onto the bed, her eyes staring to sting. She focused on staring at the ceiling. Quickly she covered her eyes with her arm, warm stains appearing on her sleeve.

”Master?” Valfafer walked over towards Lydis. The ledge of the bed was only about a foot and a half off the floor but he could make it if he jumped. Rearing back a little Valfafer attempted to jump onto the bed. Most of his upper body landed on but he had to kick against the bed to climb the rest of the way. Once he was fully on the bed Valfafer leaned over Lydis's face, a single stray tear caught his eye on her cheek. Although Lydis had been mean and bullied him Valfafer still cherished her.

When they first formed the contract she ignored him most of the time but he always managed to find a bowl of food left out for him. She would play with him calling it training or exercise. When a supply delay had happened there was always half of her food for him. Although she never said or did much directly, Lydis did care for him somewhat. He found great joy in knowing that his seemingly indomitable master was actually scared of lightning. It had been stormy week and on the worst day there was a thunder storm. Only he knew about it since she had curled up with him, clutching his fur the whole night.

Valfafer brushed against Lydis and nuzzled her arm with his nose. A bit reluctant Lydis didn't move but she eventually caved. With one arm wrapped around Valfafer and the other over her face Lydis found the softness of the bed comforting. The presence of Valfafer was alleviating the pent-up stress as well as the pained feelings she had since leaving the camp.

In reality Lydis was just as sad to leave as she had been excited to travel into the outside world. When they first set off her eagerness had overshadowed the sorrow in her heart but, after reading Zai's letter the feelings rose up again. A sharp pain in her chest which made it feel like her heart was being clenched by an invisible hand. Cheerful memories with them over the last two years resurfaced like bubbles. Though she seemed to be mature at times she was, after all, only a ten-year-old child.

The rest of the night was uneventful. Lydis soon fell asleep, curled up with Valfafer who was also sleeping. Later in the night someone had come in and put her feet onto the bed as well as placing a blanket on them.

The next day it was already noon when Lydis woke up, the sunlight filtering in through a covered window to the left of the room. Valfafer rolled around lazily. Somehow during the night, he had ended up on top of Lydis, his body sprawled over her chest. Slowly he rolled over and his belly landed on Lydis's face. The sleeping Lydis took a couple of breaths before finding it hard to breath, like something was suffocating her.

”!!” Lydis shot upwards gasping for air. Valfafer was thrown off from her. Lydis looked around the room and- ”Gaah!” She quickly covered her face with her hands.