(Other Realm)
Alethia leaned nonchalantly against the wall, her eyes fixed on the spar between Cordelia and Ozark. Cordelia wielded the training sword with skill, impressing everyone except Ozark, who found fault in her footwork and stance. Cordelia stepped back, wiping the sweat from her brow. "I'm done for today," she announced.
Ozark grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Alright, Marianna. Just remember to work on your stance and those fancy footwork of yours, Marianna. You'll be a force to be reckoned with."
Cordelia nodded, placing the sword back in the weapons rack. Ozark took a few swings at a practice dummy while Alethia approached him. "So, Ozark, what's the reason behind your insistence on training us like this?" she inquired.
Ozark paused, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Well, this village may seem safe, but there are darker elements at play. We have the watch, and they do a fine job, but lately, we've been plagued by a mysterious individual who sneaks into women's rooms from the rooftops, robbing and causing havoc. The watch hasn't been able to catch this criminal, so someone else has taken it upon themselves to deliver justice. This concerned citizen has been bringing the captured criminals to the steps of the watchtower."
Alethia pondered this revelation, her mind drifting to the nights she spent on the roof, engrossed in her spell books and stargazing. She had never encountered anyone else up there.
Cordelia glanced at her sister, a hint of worry in her eyes. "I suppose you should stop hanging out on the roof, Ruby," she suggested.
Alethia shot Cordelia a glare, then turned her attention back to Ozark.
"What do you mean on the roof?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
Biting her lip, Alethia admitted, "I noticed that one of the windows opens enough for me to step out onto a tree branch and climb onto the roof. I've been going up there to read my spell books and enjoy the stars, but I haven't seen anyone else there."
Ozark shook his head, his expression turning stern, reminding Alethia of their father. "No more. You understand me? You must stay off the roof at night. It's not safe with this criminal and the vigilante prowling around," he warned, his anger fading into concern. "Promise me you'll stay off the roof, please."
Alethia sighed, reluctantly nodding. "I promise, I'll stay off the roof," she agreed. Walking over to the weapons rack, she picked up a long sword, flipping it skillfully through her fingers.
Several hours later, Alethia found herself in her room, surrounded by her magic books. The window hung open, allowing a gentle breeze to waft in. Alethia sighed, walking to the door and locking it. "Sorry, Ozark," she whispered, "but it's just so peaceful up there."
With determination, she returned to the window, pushing it open wider, and grabbed her spell book. Stepping onto a sturdy branch of the tree outside her window, she hoisted herself onto the roof.
Sitting on the rooftop, Alethia felt a sense of calm wash over her as she opened her book and delved into its pages. An hour passed, the silence broken by movement a few houses away. Alethia's senses heightened as she pretended to read, drawing her dagger from her boot. A few minutes later, she heard the soft footfalls of someone approaching their roof. Staying hidden in the shadows, it was difficult for her to pinpoint their exact location. Keeping her eyes trained on her book and the knife in her hand, she could feel someone's gaze on her.
Without averting her gaze from the book, Alethia smiled and spoke, her voice laced with a hint of playful curiosity. "Is there a reason why you roam the rooftops of this village at night?"
A familiar voice replied from the shadows, the tone filled with mystery. "Why is a fair lady like yourself perched on a rooftop in the darkness, while criminals roam free?"
Alethia smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief. "I can handle any criminals that come my way, but you still haven't answered my question. Why are you here?" With a deliberate movement, she set her book down and slowly turned to face the figure behind her.
Standing in the shadows was a cloaked figure, their face hidden by a mask. Alethia felt a sense of familiarity, as if she had crossed paths with this person before.
"I am in search of a beautiful woman such as yourself, and along the way, I take care of any criminals I happen to encounter," the figure responded, their voice carrying a hint of admiration. "I've had my eyes on a young elf, as captivating as you, ever since I saw her working in this very inn."
Alethia's heart raced, her cheeks flushing with warmth. "Is that so? Well, perhaps you should consider expressing your intentions instead of sneaking around. That's bound to get you into trouble," she retorted, her voice laced with playful challenge.
He approached her, stepping closer with a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "I would love to know your name, but those who work with you refuse to reveal it. And whenever I try to speak with you, you always appear to be occupied." His hand gently caressed her cheek, his touch sending a thrill through her. "You are so beautiful. What shall I call you?"
Alethia smirked, her heart racing with anticipation. "Tell me your name first, and then I might consider sharing mine."
With a smile, he removed his mask, revealing his dark eyes and pointed teeth. "I believe you already know who I am, my darling." Ryos grinned, confident in his assumption.
Alethia nodded, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Indeed, Ryos. I knew from the moment we first met."
He took another step closer, placing his hand on the small of her back, drawing her near. Alethia instinctively placed her hands against his chest, ready to push him away. But before she could act, he leaned in and kissed her passionately, sending shivers down her spine. Alethia took a step back, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, her mind spinning as she breathlessly bit her lip.
"Since that night when you took my gold and left me alone in my room, I haven't been able to get you out of my mind," Ryos confessed. "Did you not find our kiss magnificent?"
Alethia blushed, unsure of how to respond.
"Your silence speaks volumes. Will you accompany me on a date after your shift tomorrow? That way, our next kiss won't be a stolen moment on the inn's roof."
Alethia felt conflicted, her thoughts racing. Ryos was a demon, and he had deceived her by taking her coins. Yet, there was an undeniable chemistry between them, and her previous engagement to Zepher had fallen apart. Why should she let her father's disapproval dictate her choices? And she couldn't deny the allure of Ryos' words and the thrill of his kiss. Zepher had never kissed her like that.
Ryos didn't wait for an answer, kissing her cheek before bowing and disappearing across the rooftop. "Wonderful, I will pick you up tomorrow then."
Alethia stood there, startled, gently touching her lips with her fingers. "Wow," she whispered, shaking her head. She made her way back into her room, setting her book down on the desk and sitting on the bed.
"That was completely unexpected." Blowing out the candle on the bedside table, she laid her head against the pillow and thought about the day to come.
As the sun began to rise, Alethia pulled a brush through her long, fiery curls. Already dressed for the day's work, she descended the stairs with a newfound spring in her step. Taking her usual place at the bar, she sipped her drink and looked up at Cordelia, who sat beside her, picking at her plate.
"You're leaving late today," Alethia remarked, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
"I don't have an order to pick up, so I get to work in the kitchen," Cordelia replied.
Alethia nodded, pushing her plate closer to her sister. "Have fun with that. I'll be waiting tables all day."
Cordelia smirked, her eyes full of mischief. "I'd rather wait tables than work with that dreadful Ozark in the kitchen." She glared at the door leading to the kitchen.
Alethia laughed, her voice filled with amusement. "Oh, he's not that bad back there." Her attention was drawn to the kitchen door as a plate came flying out, followed by a distressed cook.
Alethia paled, turning back to her sister. "Well then, good luck in there, sis." She stood and headed to nearby tables, starting to clear them from the previous night.
Cordelia picked at her food, watching as Alethia efficiently bussed tables. Tadia made her way to the door, unlocking it to welcome the first customers. Alethia finished with the tables and started wiping off the bar as Ozark emerged from the kitchen.
"Marianna, are you almost done? I need you in the kitchen," Ozark barked.
Cordelia huffed, pushing her plate away and heading into the kitchen. Meanwhile, the first customer entered, taking a seat at a table, waiting to be served. Alethia approached him, her smile radiant.
"Welcome to the Open Arms Inn. What can I get you?" she asked, her voice filled with warmth.
The young man looked up, returning her smile. "Could I have a mug of ale and some fresh fruit?"
Alethia nodded, her eyes sparkling. "Coming right up, sir." She turned and made her way back to the bar, where Tadia awaited the orders. The hours passed, with more customers filling the inn. Alethia and Tadia worked tirelessly, their dedication evident. From the kitchen, a loud yell echoed, and Cordelia stormed out, running into Alethia.
"Never again! That kitchen is like Hell's flames," Cordelia exclaimed, her face flushed with frustration.
Alethia smirked, watching her sister storm up the stairs. For the rest of the day, Tadia, Alethia, and Ozark ran the inn, seamlessly managing the influx of customers.
