The Magician, The Cup II

--- o The Cup II o ---

   Elly scanned the large clearing before her, unable to find the person she was looking for. Her train of thought broke as the divine smell of freshly cooked meat invaded her senses. Good, she was starving. Nobody would notice if she took some for herself, right? And thus she found herself leering over the roasting meat and pot of stew, one of many. She loves stew.

   ❝ Oi! It’s not ready yet. ❞

   The voice behind had Elly almost jumping out of her skin. Narda was not much taller than she was, clearly dressed as a medic, even displaying the Monastery’s crest on her arm. And she looked the part, definitely didn’t look like a fighter at all, almost too innocent in her features. Homely and youthful, but much older than Elly, she had a head of shoulder-cut mousy brown hair, and eyes to match, though a thick set of glasses rested on her nose, dotted with freckles. She wore a kind smile, and one that was not feigned, as Elly was used to; it put her at ease.

   ❝ Sorry!—Didn’t mean to scare you. ❞ She seemed to fret more about Elly than the food itself. ❝ We’ll let you know once breakfast is up. It’s taking a little longer than I would like, so many people! ❞

   ❝ Nah, my fault. ❞ Now, Elly felt bad, which was odd for her. ❝ Shoulda asked. ❞

   ❝ It’s fine, you’re not the first to sneak in here~ ❞ Narda asked, sneakily handing her a bit of meat on a skewer. ❝ Eat it quick before the others see.  ❞

   Elly beamed at the offer and took it with glee, wasting no time in admiring it and ate it quickly. She then hoisted herself to sit on one of the large tables set out for dining.

   ❝ I’m Narda, from Cadwaladr. ❞ She spoke softly as she poured them both a cup of coffee, then sat beside Elly as she handed it to her. ❝ What’s your name? ❞

   ❝ Elly, from— ❞ Elly looked over to the apothecary and shrugged. For once, Elly was genuinely interested in chatting and didn’t feel the apprehension as she usually would around others. ❝ Here? ❞

   ❝ Oh! ❞ Narda smiled, clasping her hands together. ❝ Iris told me all about you! I’ll be the one who’ll be overseeing your training. ❞

   ❝ Wait, You’re from the Monastery?! ❞ Elly was somewhat taken aback, forgetting that every squad required a trained medic, but she didn’t expect it to be from the place she was actually going to.

   ❝ Yup! ❞ Narda nodded, her smile seemingly her default setting.

   ❝ I admit it was last-minute, and I’m not the best fit for it, but Iris insisted, and I can never say no to her~ ❞ Narda chuckled nervously; even someone as oblivious as Elly could tell she lacked confidence in herself. ❝ It’ll work out! ❞

   Thank fuck it wasn’t one of the crusty old bats and someone who genuinely seemed like a nice person. This put Elly somewhat at ease, and she figured Narda could get her ready for what to expect when they arrive.

   ❝ Um— ❞ Elly spoke, nursing her cup of tea as she mulled over her thoughts for a moment. Iris already warned her about the situation, but she had to ask. ❝ What’s it like there? ❞

   ❝ It’s—It’s—It’s, ❞ Narda seemed to stumble on her words, something Elly could relate to, though hers was more like a stutter that oddly dragged her S’s, making it sound like a stifled sneeze, while Elly’s was from it being both tiresome and painful to talk at times. But she still spoke with care and managed to convey herself despite it, although she did linger on such notes. Elly would need to ask her for some tips. ❝ If I can be completely honest, it’s not looking good. We’re already stretched thin, and I doubt these supplies will last long enough for the next. ❞

   Elly could feel a groan rising. Just what the hell did she get herself into? ❛ Oh, great, sounds like a lovely time. ❜

   ❝ But things will work out, ❞  Narda added reassuringly. ❝ From what information we’ve managed to gather, it sounds like the war should be over soon. Some of the houses have already begun peace talks, so here’s hoping!~ ❞ She didn’t sound sure, but hope was a delicacy in such times.

   ❝ This must be a lovely place to live, ❞ Narda smiled, admiring the open skies above. ❝ It’s so peaceful here. ❞ 

   ❝ Mm, ❞ Elly agreed, doing the same. ❝ It gets a little boring at times. ❞ And lonely when Veld wasn’t around.

   ❝ I could imagine, ❞ Narda nodded, ❝ I’m so used to the chaos at the Monastery, I don’t know what I’d do with myself. ❞

   ❝ Chaos, huh? ❞ Elly groaned, now realising the leisure she had grown accustomed to would be a thing of the past.

   ❝ I heard he’s a great alchemist. ❞ Narda glanced over to Veld, who was chatting with a group of merchants. ❝ When the Monastery heard that he had a student, they wanted to meet you right away. ❞ He can’t be that great, can he?

   ❝ Veld? ❞  Elly raised a brow. She hadn’t considered his skill as an alchemist, as he was the only one she knew. ❝ I guess? ❞

   ❝ What’s he like? ❞ Narda asked, curious to know as she heard stories from Iris, who warned her about his eccentricities, but she wanted to see for herself.

   ❝ He’s um— ❞ Elly shrugged. ❝ Weird. ❞

   ❝ Weird? ❞ Narda chuckled. ❝ How so? ❞

   ❝ Jus’ is. ❞ There was far too much about him to pinpoint any specifics. ❝ But he is nice— An’ funny. ❞ She said with a smile.

   ❝ Iris told me your story. ❞ Narda broke the silence; now she stared longingly into her cup.

   ❝ Oh. ❞ Elly frowned and tensed somewhat; such words always ended with judgments.

   ❝ You’ll do fine there, ❞ Narda added, easing her nerves somewhat. ❝ We all have our own scars; nobody will judge you for it. You may even find those who share them. ❞

   ❝ Like me. ❞ This time her tone seemed different, solemn, and almost inaudible as she whispered it to herself. Elly didn’t want to ask; she was never the type to pry into others’ business.

   ❝ Sister Sláíne! ❞ A man cut the moment short, calling out as he approached the two, clearly referring to Narda. What an odd name.

   ❝ Y—Yes? ❞ Narda broke her own stupor as she shot up and approached the stranger.

   ❝ Cart’s ready to go, the boys are bitchin’ about supper. ❞ The soldier spoke with a gruff tone that fit his appearance. He didn’t look friendly at all.

   ❝ Almost, I’d say fif—fifteen minutes? ❞ Narda passed a brief look over the makeshift kitchen and the cooks making their way around to finish.

   ❝ Aye! I’ll tell the lads. ❞ The soldier nodded with a smile, saluting her before scampering off. He saluted her?

   ❝ Wanna help get things ready? ❞ Narda turned to her with a smile. Elly didn’t, not at all, but she couldn’t refuse that smile. And with it, her morning was stolen.

 --- o The Magician II o ---