After what seemed like a century, Carysse finally woke up in a good bed with warm blankets, soft pillows, and a peace of mind.
It was a distant feeling that she hadn’t felt in years while they were hiding. She never had a bed and decided not to have one because it would only be rendered useless as she was the guardian of Thalisse. She should never feel comfortable or else her senses will become dull.
She had always to be in an environment that challenged and pushed her to always be on guard. Because of that, she forgot the feeling of having a straight sleep. A simple scurrying of the bushes or a random howl of a wolf or dog was enough to wake her up.
This was why despite her small stature, no one regarded or recognized her as an eighteen-year old kid. They always thought she was older. They said it was because she had the tired face of an adult. Funny as that may be, others said that it must be saddening on her part to be young yet not feel young.
But rising up from that unusual morning under a sturdy roof and the smell of meat, she thought she died in her sleep and went to paradise.
The smoky smell and the sound of people’s murmurs and moving around made Carysse wonder what they were up to first thing in the morning.
When they came last night, Carysse saw less than twenty people waiting for her. She thought that maybe the others had gone to sleep but Liblei said that it was the whole number of her household. It was the fewest that Carysse had seen, especially when Liblei was supposed to have lots of servants because of her status.
The sun was just about to rise when she got out of the guest room. The building where they were at was just a spacious bungalow with a wide front yard and a high fence around it. At first, Carysse imagined Liblei Okkoa’s camp to be majestic since she was a noble but she was surprised at the simplicity of her place. The walls weren’t even painted or decorated with exotic furnishing like the houses that they saw on the way here. The noble lady said they got the place last week which will serve as their home for quite a while until Zeikontour will end.
For someone who proclaimed herself as someone with a raised rank, Liblei was one of a kind thrifty merchant. The place was far from the main road and they were alone here. Was Liblei actually broke?
Carysse stepped out of the door about to go and survey their surroundings when she was brought to reality that this wasn’t Thalisse, especially when she saw the scene outside.
Men were roasting meat, twirling a large stick over a fireplace. Women were setting up a long table and decorating it with different kinds of cloths. Young servants were walking around carrying jugs of water, feeding wood to the fire, or bringing plates and cups to the table. Everyone was busy but one thing that made Carysse’s heart melt was the smile in their faces. They were genuinely happy working with each other. And in the middle of it all was Liblei Okkoa draped in an ordinary fur coat trying to pick apples from a giant tree that was over the fence using a net attached to a stick. Tiny children were cheering for her but the noble didn’t seem to have any luck.
Carysse went near them.
”Oh, good morning, dear. It seems you had a good sleep,” Liblei said as she attempted to raise her stick again but the net was not biting any fruit.
”Your stick doesn’t have a hook,” Carysse said.
”Should we make one for it then?” Liblei asked, still looking at the fresh apples that were ripe for the picking. Even the kids were still looking in excitement with stars in their eyes like they didn’t know that Liblei was having a hard time.
”No need. There is an easier way,” Carysse said. She walked to the fence.
”What are you–”
Carysse jumped high and was able to grab the edge of the fence with one of her hands. She sucked in her breath and slowly, she hoisted herself up. She was now standing at the fence. The apples were now within her reach. The children below were jumping up and down with glee. The others also looked at her. Some were chuckling while most were shaking their heads, probably wondering what kind of person their lady brought home last night.
Carysse took off her mantle and tied the ends to make a makeshift basket. She filled it as much as it could hold.
”So how will you come down? Do you want the men to bring you the ladder?” Liblei asked, her hands on her eyes, covering the sun’s rising rays.
”No need,” Carysse replied and jumped without hesitation which produced oohs from the kids. They erupted with another wave of cheers and clapping. Carysse handed the apples to Liblei.
”You can give it to the kids,” she said with a smile. Carysse looked at the four children whose eyes were shining at the apples in her arms. Liblei was exerting effort just for some kids?
Carysse wasn’t used to nobled who were like her. Even the books painted the rich class to be a group of people who were selfish and only cared about money. But Carysse was literally seeing a noble lady doing the opposite in front of her eyes.
”You can give them two each,” Liblei added.
Carysse stooped to hand the apples to the kids. They held it in their tiny hands and didn’t stop thanking her. It was like her job back at Thalisse where she was also in charge of distributing rations to the people. Only that this time, it was out of abundance. How lucky these kids were. They never experienced being mindful of what they eat because food wasn’t scarce. The kids ran off, showing their fruits to some men and women. The adults patted their heads, smiling in the same merry atmosphere. Carysse recognized it. It was the same spirit that wrapped Thalisse and made them strong through the two years that they had been living in isolation. It was the result if everyone treated each other that they only had one another to rely on. And it hurt her chest upon realizing that she had left that comfort zone of her for a mission that was likely to fail. Maybe Carysse should just focus on going back to her home.
”These people,” Carysse started. ”Are they the fruits of your redemption also?”
Liblei nodded. ”Yes. I found them just like how I found you. Either they were being hunted or wanted. They were the broken people that fate brought to me. Some are bastards, some were past murderers, but most are run-aways. They were young and wild like you, trying to break free from a crooked society with their dreams leading them to the crossroads where we would encounter each other. They have been with me for almost a decade and none of them left. They have only been added through the years. And I don’t plan on stopping to adopt orphans or taking in anyone who seeks shelter.” Liblei looked at her.
Her eyes were unnerving. It was like she could see straight into the deepest parts of her soul. It was the same look that the mothers in the village would don whenever they knew that their child did something good or bad.
”You, as well. I don’t have to ask about your past and I have no right to. I can see it in your eyes. You’ve been a lone wolf for so long. I’m not forcing you to stay with me, but while you are with me, I want you to relax and enjoy the life of a young lady, even if it’s just for a while.” Liblei reached out and touched Carysse’s tear-streaked face. Carysse herself didn’t notice when the tears came out. Liblei’s eyes reflected the warmth of the sunrise.
”Now, come, let us have our fill. After that, you can accompany me to the first meeting of the Zeikontour if you want.”