Chapter 25 - Memories

The feeling Mila got from returning to her room was close to what she imagined getting back home was. Not quite what she vaguely recalled from so long ago - when she was only ten, but close.

Her memories of that time were vague and dilapidated. Not much had held against the passage of time inside her mind. But the memory of warmth and feeling of safety had stayed.

There wasn’t much here. Most of it was what Silinth had given them for daily use. The only exception was her folded clothes brought from the Earth. But Mila didn’t have any attachment to those either.

What she liked about her room was the smell. The ease at which she could navigate through it even at dark and the fact that it was hers.

After enjoying the ambience for a moment, Mila moved. She ignored her exhaustion and started to pack some of the comfier pieces of clothing in a bag and, once she finished - left the room. She was currently on her own.

Tiff and Isabel headed straight for the kitchen to fix up something to eat. Kefo and Andrew joined Silinth to prepare their gear.

Deciding to do something about her hunger, she headed to the kitchen. Mila stole a piece of stale bread from the kitchen and, after being chased out, started to wander through the complex. She had spent more than a month here. It wasn’t much, but her memories of this place were without interruptions. She was allowed just to be here.

Most of Mila’s dearest memories originated from this place. Getting to know Isabel and Andrew had been a turning point in her life. Before then, she was alone. She hadn’t interacted with Tiff and Kefo much, but they still were a constant presence in her life. Even Silinth was.

Just eating together with everyone was notable. It had been unthinkable just a bit more than a month ago.

They wouldn’t even spend the night here. After eating, they would head towards the mountain range and rest there. It was already a risk to eat here.

She passed by the training grounds. It had been tough to try and keep up with Isabel and Andrew. Mila had done her best. They had sparred hundreds of times here. She had lost the vast majority of those.

And yet, it had been fulfilling. The frustration Mila had felt was genuine, as were the rewards. Her body had evolved from what it was in the past. There was some muscle on her. She could move without feeling faint. She could run!

Mila’s disappointment of being summoned along with Isabel and Andrew had vanished over time. She still wanted to have a peaceful life, but this wasn’t as bad as she had imagined.

To have what she wanted, Mila had to gain more strength. And to get rid of her future enemies. She imagined herself standing against the world with Isabel at her side. It was a pleasant picture.

Her feet led her further to the obstacle course. Despite her improved condition, this place was still not the most optimal for training Mila’s body. Not unless she was willing to dip into her mana pool.

It was beautiful here. The surrounding forest was quiet and peaceful. The mountains in the distance painted a majestic picture. The air was clean and smelled of nature.

After taking a deep breath, Mila moved on. She hurried past the outhouse. There was no need to reminiscent about that place.

In the courtyard, Mila heard Silinth order the boys around. They were sorting through camping equipment and various handy utensils.

Her feet carried her towards the bathhouse. Mila slipped inside the dark building and took in the damp air. This was the place where she had seen Isabel naked for the first time.

Granted, then, and even now, Mila avoided thinking about her friend in any sexual way. It just didn’t sit right with her.

Of course, she was failing at that currently. Her mind was recalling all those times she had shared bathtime with Isabel.

At any rate, Mila had fond memories of this place as well. And there were more. She exited the building and walked around.

There was a place where Andrew had run face-first into a wall and a spot where Mila and Isabel had talked about training. Over to the left side, Kefo had tried Andrew’s advice on how to pick up chicks. Tiff had not understood. She simply laughed when Kefo had used a cheesy pickup line on her.

And there was the fireplace where Mila had told her friends about her dreams. She still was surprised she managed to talk for so long and reveal so much.

At the end of one of the buildings was a bench where Mila had practised speaking the local dialect with Isabel.

Now that Mila thought about it, most of her interactions with Isabel were goal-oriented. They had not spent their time together just for the sake of it.

A mistake Mila was eager to rectify.

The quiet evening was interrupted. Isabel’s voice resounded through the surroundings. It seemed dinner was ready. She called for them to gather.

Mila hurried towards the kitchen. After this meal, they would be spending time in the mountains. They planned to cross one of the passages through the rocky terrain to throw off any pursuers.

It would take time. About two weeks, according to Silinth. Maybe more if the weather turned for the worse. The fall was coming, and although it never got too cold, it still meant more rain and chilly nights.

Their goal was clear. They would head north to the city of Ocheon. Silinth knew a reputable healer there. One capable enough to heal Kefo and Tiff completely.

The healer was apparently trustworthy. Mila suspected Silinth wanted to see what was wrong with him as well.

Mila was the last one at the table. Most of the group was already halfway done with their plate.

It wasn’t all bad. Isabel had saved a spot next to her for Mila. She sat down and thanked her friend. The stew was a bit heavy for their empty stomachs, but she didn’t complain. She ate in silence, listening to Andrew question Silinth about his wolf’s previous owner.

Silinth didn’t know much. Just that the owner had hunted for them and had been a capable fighter with four other animals under his command.

The wolf and Mr Crow were outside. They had to take care of their own meals. It wasn’t possible to carry enough food with them for Andrew’s bonds.

“Hey, how are you?” Isabel startled Mila.

She looked around, noticing everyone else had left. Mila looked at her friend, not knowing what to say. It was sad to leave this place.

“I am fine.” Mila finally replied with a lie.

“Oh,” Isabel fidgeted. She awkwardly lifted her arms and offered a hug.

Mila tilted her head and embraced Isabel. “I am fine.” She repeated.

Isabel’s arms wrapped around her and pulled Mila closer. “I heard you.” She whispered.

“It’s just,” Mila sighed. “It’s probable we won’t ever return to this place.” She nuzzled against Isabel’s collarbone. “I like it here.” She finally admitted. “It’s the closest I have had to a home in a long time.”

Isabel squeezed Mila tighter against her chest. “We can find a new place.” She slowly spoke. “We can make a new home.”

And that was true. Mila knew it was. “I got to know you all here.” She worded her sadness. “I- I don’t have many memories I can call my own before this. And even those I have to leave behind.”

“W- We can make new ones,” Isabel whispered with conviction. “We will make new ones.”

“New memories, huh?” Mila noted. “That does not sound bad.”

“Righ?” Isabel nodded. “There is a whole world for us to see.” Her voice filled with eagerness. “We can travel wherever you wish to.” She offered. “Or if you don’t, we can find a quiet place and live there.” There was wishfulness in her tone.

Mila did not miss how Isabel planned to be with her. It wasn’t right. Her life couldn’t just revolve around Mila’s.

But Mila did not say anything. It was soothing to feel Isabel’s attachment. Her singleminded warmth could melt even the most frozen hearts.

And Mila wasn’t made of ice. Not even close. “We can’t just do what I want, Isabel.” She admonished. Isabel’s long hair was tickling her nose. “We also have to do what you want. So what do you want?”

“I-” Isabel gulped. Her heartbeat grew frantic. “I want-” She tried to speak.

Feeling her friend's nervousness, Mila started to feel hot. She patiently waited for Isabel to speak.

“I-” Isabel still couldn’t finish her sentence. Her fingers cramped into Mila’s clothes. “I can’t say it.” She murmured helplessly. “I can’t say it.”

Isabel’s body lost its strength, and Mila had to support her friend. This wasn’t a perfect situation for a confession, but this outcome wasn’t quite what Mila had expected.

There seemed to be some kind of barrier inside Isabel. Mila felt her friend’s emotions were in turmoil. There was a heaviness to them.

And there was no rush. Mila patted Isabel’s back and comforted her. She would not push Isabel. There was time to work through these complicated emotions, and Mila would help.

In a way, this was what Mila had wished for. They were learning about each other. Getting closer. She caressed Isabel’s brown crown. The warmth inside her grew. The girl in her arms was important. There were no doubts Isabel was important.

But the moment could not last. Outside, Silinth called their names. Mila gently pushed Isabel away and looked into her beautiful brown eyes. “We have to go.” She softly smiled.

“I don’t want to.” Isabel gazed back. There was a bit of redness around her eyes. She looked down at Mila’s lips and licked her own.

Mila’s smile turned roguish. This was not the time for Isabel to fantasise about kissing. They had just spent an intimate moment together, yes. But they could do better.

“There is a smudge on your cheek.” She brushed her palm against Isabel’s face, making her softly gasp. Mila caressed her friend’s cheek, then slid her fingers further up and touched Isabel’s earlobe.

Isabel’s body trembled as Mila leaned closer. She closed her eyes and-

“Got it,” Mila announced and let go of her friend. This cheeky girl in front of her got carried away a bit too much.

Isabel blinked. She looked at Mila, not understanding what had happened. She blinked again while her face turned crimson red.

“We have to go.” Mila leaned back and brushed the tip of her nose against Isabel’s. Then twirled around and sauntered out of the kitchen.

That had felt good. Mila was sure Isabel would have trouble sleeping tonight. She poked her beet-red cheek. And so would she.