Finding The Resolve

When she woke once more, she found herself in a soft bed. She looked around and saw the room. Her bed was situated against the wall. By the foot of the bed was the door. Looking to her left, a desk stood before a window. On the wall to the right of the desk was mounted an ornate shield. It bore a natural-themed crest of leaves and branches. Below it was a sword. The sword hung from a hook with a leather strap.

There was a knock at the door. The knob turned, and in stepped Mirabelle. “Well, look who finally decided to wake up.” She said sarcastically with a grin. “You planning to sleep all day?”

Ariana sat up in bed, still feeling quite sore. Mirabelle came closer. “There’s someone who wanted to talk to you when you woke up. You up for a chat?”

Ariana sighed. “If it’s who I think it is, I suppose I don’t have much of a choice…”

Mirabelle nodded and went for the door. “I’ll let him know you’re ready.” She closed it behind her.

Only a minute passed, but the wait was uncomfortable. There was another knock at the door, this one more of a “bang bang” than a knock. Through the door came Albert this time. He closed the door behind him.

Albert pulled the chair from the desk towards the bed, turned it around, and sat facing her.

“I’m told… You are an Outworlder,” he stated. “I won’t apologize for my actions; it was perfectly reasonable of me to assume the worst of a demon.”

Ariana just watched him.

He scoffed and looked away. “Enough about that!” He sighed. “I should report this whole thing to the crown, including the village that is harboring the enemy!” There was a silence. Albert cleared his throat. “Having said that… our performance would reflect negatively upon the crown. My men and I were bested by a lone woman… and a boar. It would be in my best interest to omit that from the report… on top of that, our cotton demands have been met after all, so my methods have proven an effective motivator in the end.”

Ariana glared at him.

Albert growled. “You are an Outworlder, you do not understand my position, thus I will permit such insults only this once… dispense with them now while I allow it.”

Ariana was unimpressed. “What do you want, Albert? Did you just come to talk, or do you have something to say?”

Albert crossed his arms and looked the other way. “…Alright, look. You have protected the people of Loomholm and nearly perished in the process. To them, you are some kind of hero, apparently. HOWEVER. My hand was forced, and I had to spend a great deal of energy healing your most grievous wounds.” He leaned back in his chair. “As such… I have chosen to keep a close eye on you. You are to remain in the Cavland Province. Until we can prove you are not a spy, you are not to leave Loomholm. Am I clear?”

Ariana crossed her own arms in return. “So I’m a prisoner now?”

Albert leaned forward. “You attacked a Duke! Of course you are!” Albert rested a finger and thumb at the bridge of his nose. “I have to make my report within the day, or the king’s men will be upon this town. You are to remain in this building until I return. I will be leaving one of my men to watch you.”

“What’s stopping me from leaving? What will the guard do?”

Albert made for the door. “I will leave that to his discretion. Goodbye.” He closed the door quickly behind him.

Ariana sat alone with her thoughts. She was frustrated with the Duke, but after taking a breath, she reconsidered the situation. In another light, she could consider this a welcome to the town. She could also say that she was given bed rest and someone to make sure she stays safe. She did just fight a boar, after all.

It then came to her once more: the realization that Alex was another world away had settled in again. She felt a tightening in her chest again. A part of her still couldn’t accept the idea of never seeing him again. She couldn’t help but wallow. Her head swirled with thoughts.

Among those thoughts was the comfort Mirabelle offered. Alex was alive and safe. Ariana had given her life protecting him. That would have to be good enough.

Then another thought came to her. If this were where she went when she passed, perhaps Alex would join her someday if he weren’t here. The thought both scared her and gave her hope. She wanted to see Alex again, but not if it meant his dying. She struggled with her thoughts for a time.

After a while of thinking, there was a knock at the door. Mirabelle entered and leaned on the post at the foot of the bed. Ariana turned to study her, and after a moment of silence, smiled. “I’ve made a decision.” She declared. Mirabelle cocked an eyebrow. “Is that right?”

Ariana turned her head to gaze out the window. “If I came here after dying, maybe he’ll be here someday. I’ll make a home for us, for my son and I. If I ever see him again… I’ll have a place ready for him, somewhere he belongs."

Mirabelle gave a nod. “That’s a pleasant thought.” She stood up again and stepped closer to examine Ariana. “I’ll give it to the Duke; he’s pretty good with healing magic. No scars, no bruises… clean work. That’s a Caviston for you.” She settled back again. “A lot of things will be happening the next few days, but you’ll be staying put, from what I hear. All good things, no need to worry. As for that place you want to settle down in…”

Ariana looked back at Mirabelle. “If you or anyone doesn't mind… I want to settle down where I’ve been camping. The view is beautiful from there.”

Mirabelle chuckled. “I’ll speak to the mayor about it, but I don’t think he’ll have too many objections.” She strode over to the door. "Seems like you're in good enough shape to get around. When you're ready, come downstairs." She left.

Ariana considered her situation a moment longer, then turned to place her feet on the floor and stood. She took a breath, then stepped through the door. The hallway was narrow and had only one door. To her left were stairs, and to her right was the end of the hall with a small table and a window. She went down. 

Exiting the stairwell to her left, there was a humble dining room and kitchen. One of Albert's soldiers was sitting at the table. She recognized it was the one who thanked her for the meal. Getting a better look at him, he seemed to be barely more than a boy. Noticing her, the boy jumped up from his chair and stood at attention. Ariana herself wasn't exactly of towering stature, and the boy was eye-level with her. He was blonde, like Albert, and had a soft face. After standing, the boy winced and almost doubled over back towards his chair, but his sudden rise had changed its position. Ariana rushed over to him as he was tumbling to catch him. 

She helped him back to his chair. "Thank you," he blurted, "I-I'm not really in fighting shape after that boar..." Ariana sat in another chair nearby. She observed him skeptically. "Are you sure you're really fit enough to be guarding a prisoner?" The boy looked a bit ashamed. "To be honest, no... but Duke Caviston told me to stay here in this house until he returned. Under no circumstances am I to leave. He said the same thing about you." 

Ariana could scarcely believe it. She felt sorry for the boy for numerous reasons. "Well... I suppose I don't have much reason to leave at the moment, except maybe to eat." She leaned forward. "Are you hungry?" The boy nodded quietly. Ariana smiled warmly and stood once more. "Well, that won't do at all." She stepped into the kitchen with purpose. "Let's get you fed, shall we?"