章 60: Mistress
-Meanwhile "We are finally at Everwood," Sara announced to her knights. They had traveled non-stop with only short breaks, camping only when the sun was setting, and resuming their journey at dawn.
As they neared the gate, Sara instructed them to set up camp outside Everwood. "I will go look for my sister," she said. "She should still be a gate captain."
Riding along the road, Sara spotted her sister, Lyra, inspecting merchants near the gate. Lyra didn't notice her at first, but one of her guards called out, "What brings a Holy Knight to our capital?"
Sara responded, "I came to see my sister. And I found her."
Lyra looked up, shocked, and then let out a yelp and yelled, "Sara! It's been a long time. How are you doing? What brings you here?"
"Can a big sister not come to see her youngest sister?" Sara replied with a smile.
Lyra giggled. "She can, but you never come to see me. You're always too busy and have so many responsibilities."
Sara dismounted and walked over to embrace her sister. "I know, Lyra. Duty has kept me away, but I've missed you."
Lyra hugged her back tightly. "I've missed you too, Sara. Come, let's catch up. I'm sure there's much we need to talk about."
They walked together towards the gate, the bustling activity of Everwood serving as a backdrop to their reunion. As they entered the city, Sara felt a sense of relief and warmth being with her sister again, knowing that despite the duties and responsibilities that had kept them apart, their bond remained unbroken.
...
The next day around the afternoon, Liora asked with a smile, "Is it true that Grandma taught you blacksmithing?"
"Yes, Tomi was a great teacher," Elara replied. "I learned a lot, but I still didn't have the talent for it. So, I can only do moderate work as a blacksmith. I guess it's one of the many things I can do but not really master. The same goes for what my last teacher told me."
"Your last teacher?" Liora asked curiously.
"Yes, her name isn't known to a lot of people, and she likes it that way," Elara continued. "She is an ancient being, a humanoid of some sort—I'm not really sure. She reminds me of elves, humans, and demons all at the same time. She is a Maid-knight and taught me everything about it."
Elara's gaze grew distant as she recounted her memories. "She taught me how to serve one's master with unwavering loyalty and precision. But she always told me, 'Elara, you suck at the MAID part in Maid-knight.' I guess I really only liked the knight part. I was more interested in the combat, strategy, and the thrill of the fight. But despite my shortcomings, she still gave me a chance."
Elara paused, then continued, "I met her long after I left Tomi. I was wandering around, somewhat lost in the woods, trying to find my purpose. I set up a basecamp, meticulously placing protection wards around it to keep any danger at bay. I was focused, deep into the process, when out of nowhere she appeared. She just stood there, watching me with a bemused expression. Then she laughed, a melodic yet powerful sound, and said, 'You're doing it all wrong.'"
Liora leaned in, captivated by the story. "What happened next?"
Elara smiled, recalling the moment vividly. "At first, I was taken aback. No one had ever critiqued my warding skills so bluntly. But she had this aura of confidence and ancient wisdom that made me realize she knew exactly what she was talking about. She showed me how to properly set up the wards, how to infuse them with intent and precision. It was a humbling experience, but also enlightening. Under her guidance, I learned so much more than just combat. I learned discipline, strategy, and the true meaning of serving a purpose greater than myself."
Liora's eyes sparkled with interest. "She sounds amazing. What's her name?"
Elara shook her head slightly. "She never told me her true name. She said names hold power and hers was not meant for me to know. She preferred to be called simply 'Mistress.' Her teachings were invaluable, and although I struggled with the 'maid' part of Maid-knight, I cherished every lesson she imparted."
"Wow," Liora breathed. "It must have been quite the journey."
Elara nodded. "It was. Every step of the way, from Tomi's forge to Mistress's training, shaped me into who I am today. And even though I may not excel in everything, I've gained a wealth of knowledge and experience that I wouldn't trade for anything."
as she was thinking back on the time as an apprentice of a maid-knight. she began to giggle to herself. yes misstress i still dont know the meaning of maid. in maid-knight. but i do hope we meet again so i can show you my chosen master.
Small rocks could be heard clattering around the smithy as Ella and Levy, two mischievous faeries, flew around. Lilith and Tami, the young Fenrir pup, were playing nearby. Tami chased the faeries and Lilith with boundless energy, and when she finally caught Lilith, she began to nuzzle and lick her face affectionately.
"I see Tami has taken a liking to you," Elan said with a smile, stroking Lumi, the elder Fenrir. "And Lumi says the same. She can feel the bond between you and Tami growing stronger. Lumi also mentioned that, as one of her grandpups, she will allow you to take Tami with you. She believes she knows where you are going and thinks it will be a good trip for Tami."
Lilith looked up, surprised yet delighted. "Really? That's wonderful! I've grown quite attached to her too."
Elan nodded. "Lumi believes this journey will be beneficial for Tami. It will help her grow and learn in ways she couldn't here. And she trusts you to take good care of her."
Lilith's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "I promise to look after her and keep her safe. Thank you, Lumi," she said, turning to the majestic Fenrir, who gave a gentle, approving nod.
As the faeries continued their playful flight and the sounds of the smithy resumed in the background, the bond between Lilith and Tami grew stronger, filled with the promise of new adventures and shared journeys ahead.
Liora and Elara walked outside to see the group playing and talking. As Lumi noticed Elara, she stood up and walked over to her, placing her forehead against Elara's. A telepathic connection formed, and Lumi began speaking to her.
"I have given Lilith my blessing to take my youngest grandchild with her. Will you please look after them both?" Lumi's voice was calm yet filled with a sense of urgency. "I can sense they are bound to be together, and their destinies are intertwined. Just as I promised to look after Tomi, I now ask the same of you."
Elara nodded, feeling the weight of Lumi's request. "Of course, Lumi. I will look after them both with all my heart."
Lumi continued, "I know you are going to the World Tree Sapling. Levy has told me that, and I think Tami is destined to become one of the great guardians of the tree. So, what I'm asking is that you take care of her until you reach the sapling. After that, you may do as you please."
Elara's mind raced with the implications of Lumi's words. She could feel the ancient wisdom and power behind Lumi's request, understanding the importance of the task laid before her.
"I understand, Lumi," Elara replied solemnly. "I will ensure Tami is safe and cared for until we reach the sapling. And I'll protect them all. You have my word."
Lumi's eyes softened, and she nuzzled Elara gently. "Thank you. I know you will not let me down."
As the telepathic connection faded, Elara felt a renewed sense of purpose. She looked over at Lilith, who was still playing with Tami and the faeries, and smiled. The journey ahead would be challenging, but with the bond they were forming and the blessings they had received, she felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.
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