As I reflected on the argument with Araz and Evanora last week, I was filled with conflicting emotions - confused, uncertain, and out of place amongst my village folk. Was it in my best be selfish in this matter, I wanted the best for Araz, should have I kept quiet? I wanted them to think that I cared but have I crossed the line? As the voices of a nearby couple grew louder, I pondered my origins and my inability to reach Evanora for answers. The sense of sadness and confusion that lingered in my mind left me feeling despondent and alone.

"And what will you do?" I listened to the voices of the couple, my attention turned to their discussion. I heard the girl giggling by something said by the guy. I took the hint and decided getting up without making sound, presumably to avoid hearing any intimate activities. Hoping not to make any further noise and risk the embarrassment of being caught eavesdropping on the couple.

"So many unimaginable things-" I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the thought of them discussing "unimaginable things". Suddenly, I noticed that the voice of the guy was remarkably similar to Leo. The realization took me by surprise and I suddenly felt a sense of intrigue and curiosity as I wondered what the odds were of the boy who are to be married to Araz is with someone

As the voice reminded me of Leo, my curiosity was further piqued, so I decided to climb a tall tree to get a better view of the culprits. Once I reached the top, I laid my eyes on Leo and one of the girls in the village. I was startled by the sight and my mind was filled with shock and disgust at the thought of them locking tongues. My thoughts turned to Leo, and I couldn't believe he would do such an unthinkable thing. My mind conjured up images of Leo as a "whore" and I felt a sense of disappointment and despair at his 'un' expected behaviour.

I had almost wanted to climb down when a sudden idea came to my mind. I decided to expend my remaining mana to freeze the pair, causing them to shriek as the magic flowed through their bodies, leaving them paralyzed and helpless. Once I gained control of the magic and their body, it all went silent, with no other sounds but their screams of shock and fear. I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that I had caught them in the act and that they had no way of escaping.

I burst into laughter when I saw Leo, naked as a jaybird, and I couldn't help but look around for my next course of action. I noticed a group of villagers gathering around the bonfire, their conversations creating an interesting buzz of excitement. This prompted me to drag the frozen couple into the centre of the village and unfreeze them in front of the startled villagers. I took delight in watching the shocked and amused reactions of those present as the couple stood up, looking like children caught with their hands in the cookie jar. I savoured the feeling of retribution I felt in my heart.

He deserved this.

I watched with a sense of amusement as Leo hastily attempted to cover his exposed body while the people looked on in revulsion. The act of infidelity was not prohibited but certainly frowned upon by the society of the village, bringing shame and discredit upon both the man and woman involved. I felt a sense of schadenfreude as Leo and his partner faced the consequences of their actions, unable to do anything but stand in their shame as the villagers around them watched with disgusting expressions on their faces.

The voice of Leo's father filled the air with his loud and infuriated voice as he confronted his son in the wake of the shocking scandal. "Leo! What is the meaning of this?" he yelled; the disgust evident on his face. "How dare you even think of committing such forbidden acts when you are to be engaged?" the father went on, shocked by the audacity of his son's actions. As he witnessed the public disgrace of his son, he wondered what kind of judgment his family's name would endure as a result of this scandal.

"Father, it's not how it is. I was tricked by this woman!" He yelled as he pointed to the girl standing next to him, the girl looked up at him with a glare, her face filled with shame and anger at his false accusation. Leo, in particular, was adamant in his denial of wrongdoing, refusing to take responsibility for the scandal. Instead, he chose to push the blame onto his partner, hoping that his words would be believed. I rolled my eyes watching the scene unfold in front of me, typical Leo.

The girl retorted with her own accusation against Leo, adding yet another twist to the ongoing fiasco. "What a lie!" she exclaimed; her face filled with anger as she tried to prove her innocence. "For I was tricked by him that he would get married to me and take me as his bride!" she went on, as the entire village gathered around for the dramatic spectacle, I watched from afar and caught a glimpse of Evanora and Araz, their curiosity apparent on their faces.

As the people gathered around the centre of the village for the dramatic conclusion of the scandal, a girl from the crowd pushed herself forward, her eyes fixed on Leo with utter hatred. Her expression spoke volumes and her eyes were filled with a piercing and withering glare, almost as if she was willing Leo to disappear right there and then with a single look. It was clear that she was deeply offended by the events that had unfolded, and her desire to see Leo punished was evident in her stare.

The revelation that Leo had made false promises to many of the girls in the village sent shockwaves throughout the crowd, with many expressing outrage and disbelief. As this happened, the presence of Evanora and Araz was evident as they watched the chaos unfold with a look of surprise. They too were shocked to find out that Leo had promised marriage to more than one girl in the village. The girls in the crowd continued to accuse Leo, with some even hurling curses and insults at him. As his mother arrived on the scene and defended his actions, she too was met with curses and jeers from the girls present.

"He is a boy, he cannot control his desires, for it is you girls that are gold suckers!" As the girls felt the sting of the insult from Leo's mother, their arguments turned into a full-blown battle where insults were hurled left and right. The entire scene turned into a disastrous mess and I turned around attempting to get some distance from the situation, deciding that it was best to stay out of it. As I made my descent, my eyes caught a glimpse of Evanora looking at me with a grim expression, and it was apparent that there was trouble in store for me.

As the fight ended, the village governor took everyone to the Lannis house to discuss and resolve the matter. The villagers were to attend this gathering regardless of their involvement in the scandal, as it was not a simple issue that could be easily forgotten. I had stayed out of it not wanting to feel Evanora's gaze. The girls' confessions had caused a grave stir in the village, and the act of infidelity they had been involved in was a serious infraction that was not taken lightly by the governor. Everyone was aware of the gravity of the situation, and the outcome of the meeting would affect their standing in the village and the rest of their lives.

After staying away for quite some time, I returned at dawn, hoping to avoid any trouble. When I entered my hut, I saw that Evanora and Lannis were having a quiet conversation, almost whispering to each other, making it hard to understand what was being said. I sensed that this was a serious matter and I was unsure if I should walk in or not.

"Arica, come in." My attention was snapped when I heard the sound of Evanora's voice, calling me with a clear but firm command. At her words, I slowly stepped inside the hut, prepared to face whatever difficulties or consequences that lay ahead.

As I stepped into the room, I felt the gaze of Lannis upon me, observing my every move and action. He judged me with his piercing gaze, as if he could see through my very soul as he attempted to get a glimpse into my life. I felt vulnerable and exposed under the scrutiny of his intense yet piercing eyes. His stern expression and sharp eyes gave off an intimidating presence that I could not ignore.

I took my seat on the edge of a small wooden chair, feeling anxious and uncertain about what was to come. Lannis's stare persisted even as I sat down, as his sharp eyes continued to judge and analyse every aspect of my behaviour and expression. I felt almost as if he could see right through me as I waited for him to begin the discussion.

"You have caused enough trouble in this small situation. Leo and Araz both have agreed on an arrangement. Yet you bring trouble making it hard for the people in this village. Don't think we don't realise you aren't from this realm. Though for Evanora and her great contribution to this village I have spared you, I will not do so anymore if you cause us distress. Do you understand?" Lannis's words sounded like a threat, and I quickly understood that even though I had been spared this time, there would not be more mercy if I caused trouble in this village in the future. I knew that I was only safe because of my friendship with Evanora, and I was very aware that without her, I would not be sitting in their presence right now. I had to be extremely careful in my actions and decisions, not wanting to create any further trouble that could cost me Evanora's trust and support.

"I see" He stood up with Evanora following. Lannis lifted his hand to place it on my head, I felt the weight of his hand and the intensity of his gaze. His words rang in my ears and I knew that I had to take them to heart. "Stay safe child," he said as he left, the glimmer of golden hue in his eyes telling me that I had been given a life-changing warning. I remained seated as the weight of the situation set in, feeling conflicted and confused as I tried to process everything that had unfolded before me.

As I pondered the words that Lannis had spoken, my mind raced with possibilities of what my next move should be. Suddenly, I felt a presence beside me and turned to see Evanora sitting right by my side, rubbing her hands together with a light smile on her face. She spoke in a much softer tone than Lannis, revealing me with secrets that I asked for before.

"Your brother came in the middle of the night, you were just seven at that time, he left you here with some gold and a letter explaining the situation. That necklace was also given when he left you here. I wish to explain you more but I can't it's not my place." I was taken aback by her sudden revelations, feeling a surge of emotions surge through my body. As I tried to make sense of her words, tears began to form in the corners of my eyes, realizing how much she knew and how long I had been kept in the dark.

As I felt the weight of the news sink in, I turned towards Evanora, my face filled with confusion and disbelief. "Why?" I asked, choking back on my tears. "Why didn't you tell me? You kept this from me for so long, made me feel like an outcast- I have a brother," I said, shocked beyond measure and unable to properly comprehend the news. All these years, I had thought that I had no one to rely on, but I had a brother out there. The thought was too hard to accept and I felt overwhelmed by the truth now unfolding before me.

"Your brother forbade it. He didn't want me to tell you anything unless he called upon you. He wanted me to keep you low so you don't stand out." I turned to Evanora once more with a sense of urgency, my confusion and desperation reaching its peak as I attempted to understand why my brother had not yet come to retrieve me. As I saw the shock in her face, I spoke to her once more with a sense of urgency in my words.

"Why am I here? Why not with him?"

This single question spoke volumes about my confusion and emotions surrounding the subject of my lost brother and his absence throughout my entire life.

"I am really sorry but I can't say more," The way she spoke as if it was an obligation, a mission she finished. Did she not realise how this information will hurt me? Evanora stayed silent for a moment a sense of urgency filled me, and the need to gain further answers to my burning questions grew deeper. I knew that the letter was my only hope for this purpose, and I needed to see the contents of it.

"I want to see the letter." Evanora stared at me for a moment before handing me the old but rich paper from an old basket. I took the letter and walked away, wanting nothing more than some privacy. I walked out of the hut, wanting a moment away to read the letter and absorb its contents. I needed to read in solitude and take my time to comprehend the gravity of the words written in this paper. With the letter in my hands, I walked outside the village and towards the barrier, hoping to gain some peace and quiet and allow the letter to sink in. I slowly opened and took my time reading every word.

Dear Evanora,

As you are well aware, I have entrusted Arica into your care and will be doing so for a considerable period of time making you debt free. The circumstances around her decision to stay with you are of a personal nature and will remain as such. I have every faith and trust in you to treat her well and ensure that she is safe and well-taken care of. While I cannot divulge the specific details on when I will come to retrieve her, you can be assured that I will do so at the most suitable time.

Sincerely,

Andrew Kaldwin

I reread the letter multiple times, desperately searching for the answers I so badly needed. I contemplated how to find Andrew, not sure if I needed to wait for him or find him myself. With so many questions swirling in my mind, I was unsure of the right move to make next. My need to find him was growing stronger as every moment without answers passed, and I felt helpless in this moment without a clear next step.

The questions remained.

************

Hope you have some questions for me,

Would love to have your review on it <3