Dirty Blood

“I have returned with good news!” William yells as he approaches the woman’s cottage.

The woman sighs, continuing her work without looking at William. “As you do every time you pass by. I would assume that half a year of little progress would give you a hint at least.” As she waters the plants with a wooden spoon, the woman sprinkles some at William’s feet.

“Your gardens are too beautiful to miss out on. And a kingdom is built brick by brick, the progress slow and tedious, but the results glorious.”

“Say, how do you find time to indulge in unnecessary activities? Last I checked a kingdom was never built by straying away from it this often.”

William raises his shoulders and plants his hands on his hips. “I’m always at work, even now. I’m coming from visiting a demon village after all.”

“Alone?”

“I am plenty strong to defend myself. And my trusty steed can outrun even the gods.”

“Yes, but for some forsaken reason they chase you in this direction.”

“Does my company bother you?”

“It… does not. You are agreeable if nothing else. I guess it is nice to have a visitor every so often. Even one as annoying as you.”

“Then, may I enter today?”

The woman glares at William. “I have no power over the king whose land I live on.”

“It’s still polite to ask for permission.”

“Leave your sword and remarkable steed by the gate. Then you may enter.”

“A man without his sword is an open target.” William said as he placed his sword against the stone wall.

“And a king leaving his kingdom to visit a woman is scandal. I hope your kingdom lambast you, I’ll give a detailed retelling of all your sins.”

William laughs as he walks inside. His first stop the nearest flower bed, it has a group of daisies that he admires.

“You have good taste; I like that flower very much as well.”

“That is the first time you have complimented me.”

“Must be tired from tending to the gardens.”

“Perhaps. May I have your name?”

“Avilasa.”

“Avilasa? Hm, I don’t hear that name often.”

Avilasa glares at William, prying into her name will anger her so he continues to admire the flower gardens up close.

“Here.” Avilasa hands William’s a pair of scissors. “How is everything going?”

William helps with trimming as he responds. “Well. The kingdom grows, the villages are recovering.”

“But?”

“It is difficult to mend torn relations.”

“I applaud your efforts, but this is something that can never be fixed.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“I have seen this war since birth. Not once have either side made an honest effort to reconcile. Only hatred fuels them.”

“So, I must change their fuel. One day I would like for demons to live in my kingdom.”

“You are playing a dangerous game.”

“Maybe so, but dreams are my fuel.”

“I call it delusion. But if that is what it takes to make a kind man like you, then so be it.”

William laughs. “I’m glad you finally think better of me.”

“Hah, even I cannot lie about your nature. But you must be aware that I am the opposite.”

“I know not why you despise both sides as such, but I hope to bring bright colors like that of your gardens into your mind.”

Avilasa smiles. “I would have to become delusional like you but that would be nice.”

“Indeed. As always, I’ll return with good news.”

“For goodness’ sake, return when you are not running from responsibility.”

“Then tomorrow?”

“Leave.”

For the next year, William continues his visits to Avilasa. He brings positive news, often of his kingdom or the villages.

“For you.” Avilasa hands William a handful of white roses.

“It’s an honor to receive flowers from you.”

“I simply have no nowhere to put them. Would you like to come inside for tea?”

“O-of course.”

Avilasa giggles. “Don’t sound so surprised, I’m parched and being rude to a king is foolish.”

Avilasa’s home holds little more than the bare essentials. A dining table, a kitchen with a single pot, though she has multiple mugs. The living room has a sofa and a bookshelf lined with worn books. There is nothing to convey family memories in plain sight, one would think she never had one.

“May I ask why you care for your garden so well?” William asked as he sat at the dining table.

“It’s the final reminder of my family. It was grown by my mother and father. They had untimely deaths, but they left me a beautiful garden.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It is fine. They died happier than most, though I do resent them for leaving me behind. There are times when I wonder if I should join them but then who would care for the garden.”

“You do a wonderful job; I hope you continue to do so for a long time. Else I would miss you.”

Avilasa glares at William. “Your attempts at seducing me will lead to nothing.”

“I apologize. I am a man of greed; I hope to one day have your gardens be the mark of beauty around my kingdom.”

Avilasa sighs. “And here I thought you were attempting to seduce me for my beauty.”

“Few can claim to draw eyes as you do.”

“Be careful, women like me could tear your kingdom down.”

William laughs. “You’re far too kind to do something like that.”

“Nature is not all that affects the world around us, William.” Avilasa places a tea cup in front of William before sitting and enjoying her own. “Thank you for your visits. But I ask that you never visit me again.”

“Have I done something to offend you? I will apologize immediately.”

“Nothing. But it is for your own good… I misjudged you. I’ve heard of your efforts, the deals you’ve made with the villages. How you planted your head to the ground and begged for forgiveness for the actions of your family. Calling you detestable was wrong. A king like you should not be around a woman like me.”

“Why? I enjoy our conversations. You are one of the few to be honest with me.”

“Only because I want you to leave.”

William laughs. “I should, I have imposed for too long.”

“William. You must never return, or your efforts will crumble because of it.”

If you explain why, I will consider it.”

Avilasa smiles at William. She stands and walks within arm’s reach of him, standing above him with a sorrowful expression. First, she removes her head cover. Her ears long and pointed. Next, she removes her robe; she wears simple clothing underneath that reveals some of her skin. Her right arm has strange markings, a tail wags behind her, and her waist shares similar markings to those on her arm.

“You’re of dirt-” William covers his mouth.

Avilasa clenches her teeth and steps forward. “Say it.”

Before responding, William kneels. “I apologize. I never meant to insult you as such.”

“Just say what you think!” Avilasa splashes what little remains of Willaim’s tea on his head. “I warned you. Say your peace and never come back. I’ve no need for eyes that look at me with such…”

William stands and wipes his face. “You will be angered by what I say.”

“It’s best we are both honest.”

“You’re beautiful. I was already weak to your eyes, but you’ve gone and made it difficult to look your way without blood rushing to my cheeks.”

“I… you do not look at me with disgust. Why?”

“Your blood means little to me. But I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive me for insulting you one day. I will take my leave now.”

As William reaches the door, Avilasa speaks. “Halfling. My mother always called me halfling.”

William smiles. “I like that. I will return soon, visiting the prettiest halfling of the land will give me the energy I need to continue.”

Avilasa smiles. “Fool.”