36. Relationships

The following morning, they had breakfast together and sat down to decide their next steps. On the table, lay Jacques next riddle:

Like a hawk from on its peak
Mercuropolis you must watch
What is above and below
Rovente is what you seek

Isabella said:
- "I like city names, we are off to a good start. Mercuropolis is not too far, also."
- "Hawk and peak probably mean some kind of high ground to watch the city" - Richard said - "I'm just not sure what 'rovente' means."
- "Neither am I" - said Caoilainn spreading her arms - "but I think this is enough for us to go on."
- "I agree" - Richard said, looking at Isabella, who said:
- "Well, let's go" - and they left the inn for Mercuropolis.

The path to Mercuropolis started with palms and sand before a jarring transition to a mildly dry climate with grassy patches and trees of a pale green. Richard was getting used to this and he was becoming fond of these views and environments. More awkward than this transition, however, was the mood between them.

Mazanlold was his usual self, walking in a steady pace, keeping vigilant. Richard kept close to Isabella at each step, while Caoilainn maintained some distance. She wore beige pants, a shirt and comfortable boots, without accessories and was being very discrete. She did talk a little with Mazanlold, but kept mostly to herself.

Isabella was telling Richard about her childhood:
- "I hated it when my father took me to the castle. My uncle was such a drag and so were his children. They picked on me, because they were the heirs, but when I taught them a lesson, they would run crying to their parents" - she laughed - "then my father would scold me in front of them, only to praise me after" - she laughed again.
- "When you say you taught them a lesson?" - Richard asked - "do you mean you gave them a beating?"
- "Yes of course!" - Isabella replied laughing - "we liked to practice sword and fighting technique, but they were so awful! Then they provoked me and I handed them their asses" - Isabella kept laughing.
- "You know, you laugh a lot but never loudly. You always act like a lady."
- "Well, I guess so" - she spread her arms - "my mother thought it was very important for me to learn manners, not only knowledge and fighting. My father didn't care much about that, but when she passed away he did his part to fulfill that wish."
- "I am sorry."
- "Don't be, I love my parents and have fond memories of both." - she looked up - "what bothers me more is the rest of my family. My uncle, the king, my aunt and their children don't respect me a lot and honestly, they never respected my father."
- "Do you wish they respected you more?"
- "Yes!" - Isabella replied - "because I deserve it, it is fair, and the just thing to do. My father was very serious about those things, but they feel above the rest of the world."
- "Don't worry" - Richard smiled - "when needed you can just give your cousins a beating again until they respect you!"
- "Well, I might as well do that with a hand tied down to further prove my point" - and both laughed at this.

Later, the four stopped to have something to eat before continuing their journey. Caoilainn took Isabella's arm and said:
- "We will go pick some fruit, we will be right back" - and they left. Mazanlold and Richard did some preparations. Mazanlold went near Richard and said:
- "Richard, I'm not sure how you are feeling, I just ask one thing, please be patient with Caoilainn. She told me a bit about it today and the Duke is really messed up." - Mazanlold looked up - "he exploits our weaknesses really hard. I know she messed up, but please, be patient."
- "Don't worry, Mazanlold" - Richard replied. - "It did hurt, but I am doing my best to comprehend it and take it easy. I am still quite displeased but I am doing my best not to let this hurt her or you or Isabella."
- "That's good to hear" - Mazanlold put his hand on Richard's shoulder - "those demons always do their best to hurt and divide us. Let us stay together and strong."
- "Sure" - Richard consented. He was still puzzled by the Duke and his actions and demons in that world, but he was accepting what he saw and was willing to go on with his eyes open.

Meanwhile, Caoilainn got close to Isabella as they picked up some pears and asked:
- "Now, tell me Isa, what is happening here?"
- "What do you mean?" - Isabella inquired.
- "What?" - Caoilainn sighed and pouted - "Of course, I wanna know what is going on between you and Richard."
- "Oh" - Isabella replied - "I think I understand you. Caoilainn, don't worry, we are good" - she gesticulated - "Richard just needs some time to process yesterday, but I don't think he holds any grudges."
- "That's not what I mean!" - Caoilainn said - "I understand that he needs time and all that, but you are avoiding the subject!" - she turned away from Isabella - "don't you think I noticed how Richard is sticking so close to you, and you are talking and laughing." - Caoilainn paused, looked at Isabella and lifted both hands - "honestly, I have no problem with whatever is going between the two of you, I just wanna know."
- "Know what exactly?"
- "Come on!" - Caoilainn shouted. - "I want to know if you two are in love!"
- "Wait, really?"
- "Yes!" - Isabella burst into laughing. It took her a good minute to recompose and say:
- "You are too funny Caoilainn! We are just getting more acquainted as friends, that is all!"
- "Come on Isa, do you think I'm stupid?" - Caoilainn was unwavering - "I saw you two on the beach laughing, playing and I saw it now again. You are all close, all funny, all lovey-dovey. Tell me, I don't judge!" - Isabella laughed again.
- "As I said, just friends getting closer. It's good that we get closer, for us and for the team."
- "Come on now! 'For the team'! It is you who are joking." - Caoilainn put both hands on her face and breathed deeply - "okay, I will accept at least you seem friendly, I suppose. But don't you suspect he might be interested in you?"
- "Richard? No, I think he is just being friendly." - Caoilainn facepalmed again and said:
- "Well, I can't force you to agree with me. Believe in whatever you want" - Isabella laughed. They picked more fruit and started to return when Caoilainn asked a final question - "just tell me one thing. Let's suppose, just imagine he was interested in you. How would you react?"
- "Well I can't blame him" - Isabella answered laughing.
- "That was a good one. " - Caoilainn laughed too - "but don't avoid the subject, what would you really think? Don't you find him at least attractive?"
- "Well" - she touched her chin - "let's say I would think about it. It is not a straight up no, he is a bit attractive indeed, but I'm not sure. So, not a straight up no, that's all I can say for now." - Caoilainn stared at her with a suspicious look until they returned to eat with the others.