When darkness greeted her sight and her chest had gotten tight, she had all the reasons to have a fright.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eMuJNvIB1 維尼
The air wouldn’t go in, no matter how many times she gasped for it. Instead, dirt and vile stench were all she’s inhaling. Wet earth. She could feel them on her tongue, squirming as she heaved. Some had rolled their way into her throat. Moist and crumbly—perhaps the soil, or worse, perhaps other things. Worms, maggots, anything. Why it’s there in the first place was a mystery to wonder. She coughed it out a few times before it suffocated her any further.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡSR6A0n9gSr 維尼
Her arms flailed, thrashing around only to bump the surface all over her. The surrounding felt familiar against her skin. It was wooden, hard, and thick, enclosing her in like a box. Or a chest. Or a coffin.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡPE9yeznLIx 維尼
Coffin. The mere thought made her shudder.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡcn000FDpj9 維尼
I'm not dead yet, aren't I…?8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmQU7Yhaa0 維尼
Once, twice, three times. She pushed and pushed but the barrier wouldn’t budge. Not even an inch. Soon, came the growing panic, the whirling sensation in her head became overwhelming. Dizzy. She could feel death approaching.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWKqzy3mbZ 維尼
“Hey!” she screamed. Perhaps anyone would hear her distress call. But to her dread, her voice was stuck in her throat. Again and again, she yelled. No use. Nothing came out except for a wheezing noise of her asthmatic gasps. She began to lay punches, hoping to make a tiny bit of a fracture.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOJeehegzS 維尼
However, the more she struck the wooden topside, the more dirt fell through. A similar consistency of what’s once inside her mouth flopped onto her face.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡApOQOJ8Zgz 維尼
Soil? Where am I? Am I buried?8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡURwcTWAlDX 維尼
Her fear escalated as there’s nothing she could do to breach the casket. Her palm roamed all over the impeding structure, looking for some sort of gap to break away. But there was nothing. No panel, latch, handle, nothing at all.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡofyNKHPWfw 維尼
Except for the rift across her face, right where the ground poured through.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdFjDXR3Th 維尼
She slipped her hand. The vertical opening was too small. Only three of her fingers managed to get outside. She could feel the damp earth. Moving up and down, her digits touched something chunky. Something she could not make of.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡavQ2UjjcA0 維尼
The texture was recognizable. There’s only one thing with such twisted fibrous strands—a rope. Someone had laid a rope horizontally across the surface. The supple cord wouldn’t bend no matter how many times she nudged it. This must be the thing that held the casket tightly.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UyhFVH0XZ 維尼
I need to cut it down!8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNB8vm4zaz 維尼
Again, her hands wandered around. There must be something she could use. Something sharp. Wood fragments, a stone, a splinter, anything. Unfortunately, there was nothing other than the ragged outfit on her body. Not even footwear wrapped around her feet. Meanwhile, as seconds passed and the walls inside her chest stiffened, she began to panic.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnDVQRsdmt 維尼
No, no, I don’t want to die, not like this!8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡob4NB1ZNK0 維尼
She grabbed the fold of her tabard, loosening the collar in hope to breathe easier. She knew it was futile. Tight or not, clothes or no clothes, it’d be the same. There was little to no air to begin with. Perhaps it’s best to just give into the abyss.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNPhVo7gKH 維尼
She was ready to accept the inevitable when her elbow poked something below her garment, a solid object with a definite shape right on her left waist. She pulled it out from its nesting place.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiE5pGRSO0 維尼
It was a dagger.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOWneGKfkw 維尼
A glimpse of hope returned to her. At last. A means of a way out. Whether it’d be favorable or not, she had to try. Clinging into a tiny spark of optimism, she inserted the blade into the gaping fissure.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1HKb9JOQR 維尼
Thank Goddess…!8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IxzvAgi4l 維尼
It fitted. Clumsily, she dragged the blade back and forth. Hands trembled that she couldn’t even cut properly. Ramming and ramming, the tear on the leash gradually became imminent.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0eUPGNvA5 維尼
Come on. Come on, just a bit more…8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqimh8Dx3V 維尼
Her grip on the weapon became unsteady. The chest pain was unbearable she could feel her lungs closing in. A few seconds more and she would depart from this life.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlb62FLdwb 維尼
…now!8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIinTRHXLe 維尼
With her remaining strength, she gave the casket the strongest push she could make. She was prepared to embrace the air, but, to her horror, as the lid tossed open, a heap of soil collapsed through, smothering her altogether. Desperately, she clawed her way out as her throat filled with dirt once more.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYDWURKPda 維尼
The sunlight welcomed her sight once she emerged from beneath. Rolling over, she threw herself flat on the ground, coughing and spitting lumps of earthen masses out of her mouth. Finally, she could breathe again. The expulsion had freed her air passage clear. Up and down, up and down. Her chest raised and fell with every breath she took.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jrV6i08Pd 維尼
Closing her eyes, she began to regain composure. Breathing was never been this delightful. Like a luxury, she did her best savoring all the fresh air she could. She didn’t dare to imagine what’d happen if she didn’t come out sooner. Or if no dagger was there to save her soul.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡs24TaFBIlf 維尼
The dagger.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9y4sAuHfq 維尼
She snapped her eyes open. It’s still there within her grasp. She brought it closer to her face. Suddenly, flashes of images started appearing inside her head.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tZMcZ7go8 維尼
People. People with pitchforks. People rallied with weapons. Screaming, crying, wailing. Fire. Huge fire. Hanging ropes. Bodies on the hanging ropes. People threw rocks at her, people threw rocks at…them. Someone grabbed her by the hair, pouring something into her mouth. Something hit her on the back. Darkness.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPTlOXFiwQ 維尼
Who?8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkAEH0RCs5 維尼
She shook her head. No faces. She couldn’t see faces in those images. It was a blur all over.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡuB2SE3FAQ3 維尼
What happened? Why am I here?8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡur0wU9XyIJ 維尼
She tried to stand up but her legs gave way. Beads of sweat rolled down her forehead as she glanced at her side.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡlO7e6VcvLf 維尼
The shallow grave she just broke through. One amongst many others. Five. There were five of them, laid side by side six feet underground. All of the burials looked recent. The dead seemed to have suffered the same fate as her.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCSQmYSqjB 維尼
Who are these people?8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQHQM4CbWO 維尼
Her heart pounded faster.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡwg9jHWqQcG 維尼
…Why am I the only one alive?8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSmDgXxrQZ 維尼
Holding the flagon closely, she finished her drink in one swig. Her hooded figure observed the whole tavern. The reek of alcohol and meat mixed with old boots and sweat wasn’t exactly unusual to look about. Something else had piqued her interest.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DxapV2YuR 維尼
The atmosphere. The expressions. The behavior of the patrons. Everything was different than weeks ago, the last time she visited. Men and women, young and elderly, everyone seemed to be in a festive ambiance. They danced, clapped, and sang along with the minstrels, unaware of a pair of eyes watching from the corner.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3myGhSj37V 維尼
“Not feeling the party, eh?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4Sh2DXyVV 維尼
She turned her gaze to find a man stood by the table, pointing at the stool beside her.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDhC5A9Uvj 維尼
“May I sit here?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxuLDrSYIT 維尼
The man was holding a decanter in his hand. He wore peasant attire and a felt hat, looking harmless enough. She then nodded.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1NM22vYTI 維尼
“Want some?” he offered the drink in his metal jug, noticing her empty glass. She flatly refused.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuze1LiPIL 維尼
“So why don’t you dance? Or sing along?” he asked again, attempting to initiate a conversation. The man didn’t seem to catch on her demeanor. This irked her since she wanted to be alone. But then again, she had to keep her calm or risked making a scene around. Perhaps this man could provide information she’s been looking for.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDOWOZ1Z8O 維尼
“I don’t know what I shall celebrate for.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRbi7keDww 維尼
“Huh? You don’t feel happy with our victory?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaCLyXRWZe 維尼
“Is this what it’s all about? I keep hearing vampires being spoken.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41bsZ8jF9b 維尼
“Ah,” the man clicked his tongue, “not from here, are you? Let me guess, a merchant?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEo5tPuei5 維尼
“Yes, from the north. Last week I heard the southern border is open for trade so I came here.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ154aFm39uP 維尼
“It is. Damn, I envy you traders. Haven’t had a chance to go beyond the outpost myself. My work prevents me from leaving town,” he poured ale into her flagon, “my treat. Enjoy.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡxN3SryOTWz 維尼
“Thank you.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡLy5M9OsJRc 維尼
“Deep Woods is one hell of a trouble. Still, can’t believe we finally open the border. How was your journey?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡziSYvgUWRV 維尼
“Fine, I guess. I got lost so many times.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnSk1nXbid 維尼
“Deep Woods is Deep Woods. Sometimes you can go in but not go out,” he raised his mug to his lips, “no vampire attacks?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFfxn2gfn6 維尼
She shook her head and sipped her drink.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡEE80CFXoeM 維尼
“Heh, of course not. Cause we’ve killed them all. Every last one of them.” He smirked, “Still, welcome to Svaros, though. Not much in here. We’re still recovering but hope you enjoy your stay.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ817fvn21IZ 維尼
“Those vampires, I thought they’re extinct already?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡtd7owQCfuk 維尼
“They are. Not their sodding spawns, though. You know the halfbreeds?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXLg8Y7vxI 維尼
“I’ve heard stories. They can walk in the daylight and all those things.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkGHm9F9Rv 維尼
“Well let me tell you. The southern border was closed for a long time because of those animals,” he eyed the barmaid behind the counter, “what’s worse, they could be anyone and we never knew about it.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡNX1aMd11IJ 維尼
He finished his drink and poured for another.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrjNH0p3IF 維尼
“Those…abominations. Mating with humans. How disgusting,” he growled, “first thing they’re your spouse, your friend, your neighbors, next thing they’re beasts. Draining your herds dry and kidnapping your children. That feeling when you had a traitor among your own people…”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvkzwZDPeX 維尼
She kept listening.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5HAsKJCXW 維尼
“Every month,” he looked at her in the eyes, “we sent search parties to the woods. None returned. Grieving widows and widowers everywhere. Took my Gonzo too last year.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3z3aqVVuA 維尼
“Your family?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hnUXUrcaK 維尼
“My goat,” He gulped another glass, “sodding bloodthirsty demons preying on us poor folks. I raised that thing for years and it’s gone in one night!”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCB3HLip0h 維尼
"Why didn’t the king send his Paladin Knights? They used to hunt vampires long ago."8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06wcYflGry 維尼
“He doesn’t care about us, young lady. He doesn’t care about southern lands. Hell, nobody does except for peddlers like you. Bet he doesn’t even know our messengers never made it to Irkalla! Bah, have to fend for ourselves all the time.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4h1iN3ob4a 維尼
His eyes started to turn red as his speech became a slur. All those shots had finally taken control.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡhW1NW5jRTE 維尼
“But tell you what, that doesn’t matter anymore, eh? You merchants are here. We rebuild. People are happy. And those things are sodding dead.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4YNuv184x 維尼
“How can you be sure? You said anyone could be a halfbreed?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjivAlv9mN 維尼
“Did you pass by the gallows? There we hung their chieftain and his underlings,” he said, “joined the militia myself. Drew them into our trap like a blind fish they’re.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9FKFvBnST 維尼
“All of them?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDT0EfpUUX 維尼
“Some escaped. But we followed them to their camps. Burned them to the ground. Left no one alive,” he said again, “now it’s been two weeks and still no attack. We did it, you see. We won.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7xdDJLKDZ 維尼
She left the tavern after putting a few bronze coins on the table. The man had gotten even more intoxicated and started to make his way to the barmaid, leaving her alone in her seat. It didn’t matter. She’d heard enough. The plan had worked. Effortlessly so. Knowing that nothing she did for the town of Svaros was in vain, she could finally go back to her research, to her cure.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOCl2zYEbt 維尼
Nothing can stop me now.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡS79VUtOFbi 維尼
Food…water…8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡn10UYynLfa 維尼
Four days. Four days she dragged her feet through the forest, or so she thought. She remembered witnessing four sunrises without a drop of water. The riverside path she took was as dry as a desert. It's as if this barren land was left by humans long ago, leaving it untouched and desolated. On top of that, not a single animal could be seen. Even insects seemed to have migrated somewhere else.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDsmordTtA 維尼
She had lost any sense of direction. First, she went to the north when it turned to be nothing but wilted jungle. Another time she decided to walk east, following the sunrise, again it was all lifeless trees. This bleak woodland appeared to be endless no matter how far she ventured. After the fourth sunrise, she just stopped counting as her body became weaker and her mind grew emptier. She was like a walking vessel with death lurking closer.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmcpzQaKAp 維尼
She stood on a ledge overlooking the whole woods. The darkness limited her already feeble eyesight. Only dense, desiccated ground as far as one could see.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPFAQ5veOr 維尼
Where am I?8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYC02bi1SP 維尼
The night air pierced her skin. She trembled when the wind blew slightly. Cold. Her tattered clothing and barefooted state provided no warmth to her body. Her grip on the dagger loosened as she shivered. She could only watch as the knife fell out her hands, hit against a rock and came off the ridge.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcKGeQEgQi 維尼
No…!8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡF60bsKpZSJ 維尼
Her body reflexively jumped forward, attempting to catch the only thing she had. However, without grasping anything to hold on, she failed to keep her balance and slipped off the edge.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqLuoSskAV 維尼
Then, everything happened so fast.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mFjBU5m46 維尼
The woods rustled as she tumbled for what felt like forever, rolling down hitting trees and branches along the way. She lost control of her own body. It’s as if she wouldn’t stop falling through the air.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBYX5iDEUO 維尼
Halfway down, the trees gave way and before she knew it, she was hurtling over the dry grass, earth, and rocks, until her body run into a large tree stump and she finally fell into darkness.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JqbsdpWvK 維尼
She woke up by the sounds of anvils and hammers. An unfamiliar view greeted her sight. The stained walls, wooden furniture, and those bookcases were nothing she’d seen before her eyes.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ExImH03GT 維尼
What…?8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBY11bdTcp 維尼
There’s that sound again. The clanging metals. She looked around. The windows were open wide. Curious, she tried to sit up. A cracking noise of her bones could be heard somewhere in her back.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1ShIHPVBc 維尼
I’m still alive…?8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrRRm5kvaC 維尼
She stared outside.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ci9JjShnw 維尼
There was a metalworking shack across the street. An old man with a lavish beard was giving instructions to the three teenagers before him—a girl and two boys—seemingly to be his apprentices. He was praising her for hammering the iron right and asking the others to follow through.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsMwDxy2an 維尼
Where am I?8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEIgO2Svc1 維尼
The neighborhood was full of mercantile establishments. She could see the forge, armorer, potter, tailor, butcher, and so on. People went back and forth with their carts and baskets. Children were playing in the street, chasing after each other with what appeared to be wooden sticks. She heard them saying ‘My turn! My turn to be the Dragonbane!’ While some of the adults yelled for them to move out the way.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡMr2bLI6UFJ 維尼
How did I come here?8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMinhIGKqI 維尼
She swallowed. The last thing she saw was the massive stump before the blackout. She didn’t remember being near any civilization before. There must be someone who’d come to her rescue.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLPnYMmGjP 維尼
Who brought me here?8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡAliPA0COh9 維尼
While she was deep in thought, suddenly the door creaked open. She turned to find a brunette woman in white smock under a brown kirtle. In her hands were a book and a sack of something unknown. They looked at each other for a few seconds before her brows creased in shock,8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zaDvkcd0N 維尼
“You shouldn’t be up yet…!”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnvpbbxsiX 維尼
She didn’t know where to begin.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡWITRRXwO17 維尼
Laid on the table was an amount of food one would expect to be several days’ worth. At the sight of what appeared to be some roast her mouth watered. On the side, plates of potatoes, cheese, sausages, and pickles with a basket of bread stared back at her. The wafting aroma kept luring, calling out her famished soul. She couldn’t keep her hands any longer.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡeB8mxIXFFb 維尼
Without hesitation she grabbed the pork leg, ripping a chunk off with her teeth.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeuc3y8hPf 維尼
The brunette stood by the bookcase with her arms folded, watching in amusement. No words were exchanged. Only glances. She didn’t care if the woman would judge her in silence. She didn’t even care being watched gnawing clean on the bones. Everything, even the grease and pickle juice flowed through her fingers were ambrosial. As if losing control, her body moved on its own, stuffing her face like it’s her last meal on earth.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYLof5QjeC 維尼
“I wonder when was the last time you saw food,” the woman spoke after a long silence. In her voice was a mix of awe and wonder. Meanwhile, she only looked at her wordlessly while munching on another handful of sausage links. The brunette continued to stare at her, hand on her mouth, obviously holding back her laughter. Perhaps she was still thinking about the loud stomach grumble she heard moments ago.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjjffrDG3Y 維尼
A clump of meat got stuck in her throat as she moved onto the next plate. Along with the surging air, the pressure pulled the muscle of her chest. Weird noises started to come out of her mouth.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKg4DskLJw 維尼
“Good lord,” she saw the woman rushed to the door, “I’ll get you more water.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoJ62dV1ZD 維尼
Dropping the bread, she snatched the napkin nearby. Eyes winced every time her body jerked in a spasm. She regretted having eaten way too fast like that.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHmQEmFAZW 維尼
“Here, hold your breath and drink slowly,” she returned with a metal carafe. She could feel the woman’s hand stroke her back lightly as she drank.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFESB24WEu 維尼
Only when the hiccups died down, she realized the disaster on the table. Plates, bowls, scraps, grease, and carcasses spread everywhere in a disarray manner. Guilt washed her. Hunger had taken over her conscience that she’d forgotten she was in someone else’s home.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOdcUXj1x1 維尼
“Do you wanna eat more?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1LVIi9lpV 維尼
She shook her head. Her stomach felt full by just looking at the ruins before her. That was a lot of food. No normal person would satiate such amount of helping in one sitting. Sick and amazed at the same time, she couldn’t help but feel disgusted with herself.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡdizbNKnu5u 維尼
“Alright, then,” she began taking the plates, “I’ll be back in a minute.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyfEIP3qnw 維尼
“Wait.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyyWx66Qp0 維尼
To her surprise, her voice had returned. Though it’s still hoarse and somewhat inhuman, it was strange to finally talk after what felt like forever. She made a sound in between a cough and a sharp inhale in attempt to clear her gorge.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdPdAujWyV 維尼
“Let me help, please.” She said again, much clearer this time.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfX9qy8QMl 維尼
“I don’t think you’re able to walk just yet,” the woman nodded towards her legs, “you didn’t notice the bandages?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡSG1zStizIY 維尼
She immediately looked below and found beige cotton fabric wrapped neatly around her right knee. A brownish stain could be seen in the middle, presumably dried blood.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jJCSukj1e 維尼
“Wh—what happened…?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsJmSIlp7G 維尼
“I don’t know. Did you trip and fall or something? I found you here with your ligament torn already.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cGcyrTr5Z 維尼
Her lips parted in a daze, “That…that bad…?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQbhM7rHib 維尼
“You’re technically crippled right now.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IAoZgKbOv 維尼
She could only watch in silence as the brunette continued to wipe the table. And in that moment, instead of being a helping hand, her body decided to release a reflex, expelling a blob of foul gas in the form of a very loud belch.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8q8J7ZoBF 維尼
“S—sorry!”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnfP6Sw26b 維尼
The woman shook her head in disbelief. Suddenly, she wanted nothing more than to crawl back into the grave. 8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡfH0BIJ1Rqz 維尼
"You’re in Ceville.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPVS6mmBJ0 維尼
She turned away from the window and found the woman stood at the bedside, looking at her with a smile.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUphVuW9bN 維尼
“My name is Morgana.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOqS1fwBQ4 維尼
"Morgana..."8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1frdr3c9L 維尼
“You’ve been staring outside the whole time. Figured you must be wondering where you are.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡmujLaAmNac 維尼
“No, I was just...well, yes. Yes, I was,” she blinked in confusion, “how…how did I come here?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡQA93ez42w6 維尼
“To my house? Elder Nerida wants me to look after you.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCs1Z1cmmF 維尼
“Elder Nerida?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOb3IBRfiw 維尼
“The village’s elder,” Morgana sat down, putting her palm on her forehead, “hmm, your temperature is normal.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4acuXHJVrk 維尼
“Is something wrong?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FdaJlwKge 維尼
“No. The opposite even. It surprised me that you woke up a day earlier than I expected.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrP57BPg5t 維尼
“A day earlier? How long was I asleep…?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡOT7Futi6h1 維尼
“Two days. You’re unconscious when the villagers brought you to my door.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGhaJG44Gm 維尼
“Ah…” she looked at her leg again. Slowly, she tried to move it around. Painful. She bit her lips. The ache made her eyes begin to water. Morgana noticed what she’s doing and stopped her right away.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsYUpeDrxZ 維尼
“Don’t. Unless you want to make it worse,” she adjusted it back up, “you’ll be able to walk in several weeks.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbk7gmSKVG 維尼
That sounded like a really long time. She sighed and looked at Morgana again. Her eyes—green eyes were examining the bandage closely. Faint dark circles rested below those eyes. She could see tiny freckles across her turned-up nose and high cheekbones from this distance. Her downturned lips were of the light shade of red sandstone. She wore her hair in a side braid, loosely hung around her shoulder. Her pale skin was a little reddish, possibly from being outdoor working under the sun. The woman was fairly thin—her collarbones were prominent against her skin. If she had to guess, Morgana probably was around the same age as her, if not younger.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yjm2d0Sb4 維尼
“How did you end up in Ravaged Woods?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAIUyrAp4D 維尼
“Ravaged Woods?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwsmVzTyVH 維尼
“They said they found you there lying on the ground.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNv1uFACt0 維尼
Ravaged Woods. So that’s the place she was lost in. No wonder it bore such a dreadful name, suitably so. It did look like something had pillaged and caused such extensive destruction to the whole forest. To find a civilization such as Ceville beyond the area was like a mirage, like an oasis in the middle of a wasteland.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFjJPRqidK 維尼
“I…” she mashed her lips together, not knowing what to say, “…I broke through my grave.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAYJm9Tzfo 維尼
“Excuse me?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUYhfCPlYx 維尼
“I woke up inside a casket. I think—I think I was supposed to be dead or something…”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGTambHuNv 維尼
Morgana stared at her with her forehead wrinkled,8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFMiHB2jQp 維尼
“You’re actually serious.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡsz4raNEFpE 維尼
“That must’ve sounded crazy,” she sighed, rubbing her temples, “I wish I was joking. I don’t understand what happened myself.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkxVYIXkmW 維尼
“Why would you be dead?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡCty7c4dYrW 維尼
She shrugged, “I’m not sure. So I just kept walking. Next thing I knew I was in that…dead woods.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoD5MlyfmF 維尼
Suddenly, she remembered the second before her body fell off the edge. The reason why she lost her balance in the first place.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡgk8uTZHq7S 維尼
The dagger!8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHJcXsdvfa 維尼
Her fingers immediately crept into her pockets. Nothing. Moving inside her robe, again, nothing. The fold of her girdle, the backside, everywhere. Nothing. Nowhere. That thing must’ve lost somewhere, laid deep in Ravaged Woods.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡrroVRWRPNl 維尼
“Hey, hey, are you alright?” Morgana saw her mumbling to herself in a state of distress.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDHOvnCgvN 維尼
“…no way.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9Haxn0IKJ 維尼
“What is it?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡssRXOpZxqe 維尼
“I lost it!”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNLWgO9ssJ 維尼
“What?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgoeLFDYNV 維尼
“My dagger…”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZFezWmMdR 維尼
As if realizing something, Morgana bolted from her seat and walked to the corner of the room—towards a wooden dresser. Fumbling around a little, she returned back to the bed.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡktoCEpYDbp 維尼
“You’re looking for this?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbmp7mrWSa 維尼
There, in her hand, a short knife with some sort of strap served as an extension on its leather scabbard. Nothing remarkable with the grip, a few scratches could be seen on the surface. The crossguard shaped like a two-headed serpent. Her eyes widened.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQWz6C8JAj 維尼
“That’s…! Wait, how did you get that…?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeCp15J20B 維尼
“The elder asked me to keep it before some scoundrels exchanged it for a few silvers,” Morgana handed it over, “he said they found it near your body.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWOwMwLf2l 維尼
She rubbed the weapon nervously. Not believing it would return again. It was what kept her sane. As if she had any belonging worth saving.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡchNNMvt1Id 維尼
“Thank you. Thank you for everything…”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSPNcLIpH3 維尼
“Not me. You should thank those children if you must.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ659cNInEOs 維尼
“Children?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRweioFtNY 維尼
“You were lucky they frolicked in the woods.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBCTOSoLHT 維尼
“I—I see…” she said, “…but still, I wish there’s something I could do in return.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡP75irtIcvS 維尼
“You’ve helped me clean the pantry though,”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡTu5Pv4os95 維尼
Her cheeks reddened.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfRTQj8sRF 維尼
“I’m—I’m sorry…”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaEYfCl0fa 維尼
Morgana chuckled, “I only patched your leg and give you my bed. It’s just part of my job.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9MAxVfjsI 維尼
“You’re a physician?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFdWRCsmT6 維尼
“Unregistered one. Elder Nerida is the only physician here. I’m his apprentice.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡerLCkBU9OS 維尼
“What does that mean?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vGqrsgfla 維尼
“What, unregistered?” Morgana arched her brows, “It means I can’t perform a surgery or charge you a coin.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPtIsOji2t 維尼
“That’s too bad. Why do you need to be registered?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNFJfOxZKL 維尼
“Wait a minute,” the brunette shifted in her seat, “are you a foreigner?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMABqBVVYL 維尼
“…huh?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmHop3pKPf 維尼
“You speak like an Irkallan though. Are you a Kelredano? Gailanese?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡHx0uDjbOXk 維尼
All those words sounded alien in her ears. She didn’t understand anything Morgana was saying.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVVT5i3pU0 維尼
“I…I don’t get it?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhaBvbJl3u 維尼
“You don’t seem to understand the Alchemist Guild system here.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKWAXMBKd8 維尼
“Alchemist Guild?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡfztYCQm11U 維尼
The way Morgana stared at her as if she had two heads. Suddenly, her expression turned serious.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3W5nVxr8UO 維尼
“Who are you?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVnzIyYxrO 維尼
“Who…am I?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOTVA3e79r 維尼
She stared at her hands in horror. No names. No places. No familiar faces. Nothing came up in mind. The only thing in her head was the vague images of the angry mob in an unknown place.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3Xc7XiZB9 維尼
Who am I? What’s my name?8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2WpGkAYOT 維尼
“You don’t remember who you are,” Morgana looked at her in the eyes. It was a statement, rather than a question.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2iSYwuwpf 維尼
Her grasp on the dagger tightened as her sight began to spin. She wanted to dig deep into her memories but the effort was in vain. The harder she tried to remember, the more throbbing the headache became. It’s as if her mind rejected any attempt to reach self-cognitions. Morgana scooted closer, pushed her backwards gently, helping her lie back in bed.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡozcrEWCPTU 維尼
“You must’ve received quite a blow in the head. You should rest.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBttMXOmD3 維尼
“It…hurts…!” she groaned. The dagger was dropped in an instant. It knocked onto the floor, its sheath disengaged. Morgana paused for a moment as she noticed something off. She picked it up, examining carefully.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrn1KGPykE 維尼
“Hestia?” the brunette muttered the carved letters on the blade.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNAXOR5NyW 維尼
The woman’s voice went straight to her head. Another flash of images rushed before her eyes. Like sequences. She heard people saying that name again and again; different voices yet still no faces. Eventually, she began to understand.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNYJTPzi0J 維尼
“Morgana,” she swallowed, clutching her head, “That…that’s my—I think that’s my name…”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaCMIK2llr 維尼
Irkalla. 120 days ago.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGyrkSlQn9 維尼
Duchess Geneive had requested an audience with Grand Paladin Irvine, the kingdom's most renowned warrior for his achievement slaying a dragon in Cadaver Hills. The meeting was not to be attended by other than the two, for it was supposed to be clandestine.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQ6Whl2zAp 維尼
"Your Excellency, Her Grace is expecting you. Please, come in." the duchess' personal servant bowed before disappeared, closing the door behind her.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoEX6ywajZ 維尼
Irvine looked around. Not the first time he entered her bedchamber, yet everything never failed to amaze him. The drapery, carpets, furniture, paintings, and the fireplace. Not to mention some of her personal collection of statues and figurines. The aura of femininity with a sense of class and royalty, the place gave him a strange sense of serenity as well as chivalry. Deep down he wished the Paladin tower was as stunning with less reeks of misery.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzKOn4foNC 維尼
"Good to see you again, Grand Paladin Irvine."8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxi37qmwdm 維尼
"Your Grace, at your service," he bowed, lowering his hood. His silver hair was a contrast with the dominant red velvet of the room, shining like a sword on a bed of roses.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGyoZeTHP5 維尼
"Smuggled as a nurse again, aren't you? Varna is most genius indeed."8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOEsGlt1mR 維尼
"She is certainly an amazing servant, Your Grace."8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBbqBcgV2z 維尼
"We don't have much time. People are going to talk if you linger for too long. I want the report on the halfbreeds."8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnHOuRMIHA 維尼
"Preparations are complete.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59J4nZqXFx 維尼
“I don't want things to get to His Majesty before it’s time. Are you sure your soldiers won’t be suspicious?"8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGpZ11fZPd 維尼
“Worry not, Your Grace. I did not tell them the true objectives. I’ll make sure your seal is delivered.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4faauMmd4 維尼
“How can I have your word on it? I have spent so much on this expedition, Grand Paladin.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡQS729ktb3Y 維尼
“I believe there’d be uproar if we told these soldiers what they’re facing against.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wxsM6E7Nx 維尼
“Yes, people would always jump into conclusions,” the duchess sighed, “very few people understood the significance of my family’s legacy.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡKavzIiTcdC 維尼
“And I’m honored to help you continue it, Your Grace, for the better future.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuj7DuylQ4 維尼
He saw her smiled.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOuMopi3Q0 維尼
“Eight garrison soldiers—new recruits. A small squad,” he said again “they will depart by sunrise.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUD0SvPhJ7 維尼
“Will that be enough?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IkqzN0aYR 維尼
“I don’t advise to send a platoon, Your Grace. It’s best to masquerade as a small pilgrimage.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLCsvKw5MZ 維尼
“I see. Have one of your Paladin Knights guard them. I believe it doesn’t hurt to have a little protection.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNABVFYIcO 維尼
Irvine cleared his throat in doubt.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GO74t1UVq 維尼
“Paladin? I—I don’t think I can provide anyone from my rank, Your Grace. That’d be too risky. I humbly apologize.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsppHMKw08 維尼
“No, you can. I have someone in mind.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99ukjY1kxP 維尼
“And who that might be?”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡWG6DzHtz3v 維尼
“I believe there’s someone named Hestia. She’s as naïve as you think could be.”8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGKqg6xORD 維尼
Cause she never disobeys orders, just like Adonis.8964 copyright protection602ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6ToJ3MAAm 維尼
ns3.238.180.255da2
