The Masked General

Retrouvailles

"Princess, I know I said I would follow you, but going further into the capital? I'm sure someone will recognize you, even though we look a bit soiled and tattered," Eleanor began to sniffle. Her eyes watered, and her lip trembled. "I think we are better off dead. I feel dead."

"We've made it too far, let the tears fall now, but we won't have time for that later. Don't worry, I have some friends in Kilerth," Avira smiled, pointing towards the capital they were approaching. The sun had begun to rise, and they could make out the outlines of the city.

"When did you have time to go make friends?" Eleanor asked.

They came to a place in the path that was uphill. Eleanor began to get out of breath, she lost her footing.

Avira quickly grabbed Eleanor's hand, "Careful! It's a princess' duty to serve her kingdom. To do that, I must know them, and understand them." Avira pulled Eleanor up till she was standing on her own two feet again.

"You are just using that as an excuse to sneak out of the palace," Eleanor brushed off her skirt exasperatedly, there was no use in brushing it off, it had already been torn and dirtied. She looked up at Avira once again, "Do you trust them?"

Avira stopped walking, "Of course. I trust them with my life. Ivelle had also been their friend. Besides who wouldn't trust those who make the best bread in all of Harwen?" She was completely serious.

Eleanor rolled her eyes, but didn't answer. They walked quickly through the town, making sure not to draw too much attention to themselves.

"Here we are!" The princess gestured excitedly towards a small bakery.

"Your Highness, you mean to tell me, you plan on hiding out in a bakery, possibly for the rest of your life? And it lies in Kilerth, the capital?" Eleanor bit her lip, taking a step back. She twisted her skirt in her hands.

Avira stepped towards the door, and gave it three loud knocks, "No. I have a plan, strategies are supposed to be my specialty after all." She chuckled nervously.

"Supposed to be..." Eleanor muttered under her breath.

A woman opened the door cautiously slightly before fully seeing Avira. "Avira? Come in, come in." She greeted the princess with a hug.

"Avira?" Eleanor twisted her lips, "One does not simply address a princ-"

"Layla, it is so good to see you!" Avira returned the hug. She turned towards Eleanor, "It's okay, I told her she didn't need to address me like that. When we first met, she didn't know I was a princess. I've told you before, Eleanor, you are also able to call me by my first name, if you wish."

"No, I'm not used to calling you that," She shook her head.

"Who is this?" Layla asked, pointing towards Eleanor.

"I am Eleanor, Her Highness's lady-in-waiting," She lifted her head proudly, causing Avira to give a little chuckle.

"Layla Baecere," she reached out a hand to Eleanor. The girls smiled as they stepped further in the door.

Layla's expression turned serious, as she guided them to the back room of the bakery. Her hands shook as she took a seat at a table.

Avira looked at her with concern, "Are you alright?"

"Well, I'm good as one can be when a supposedly dead person shows up at my door." Layla rubbed her forehead gently.

Avira looked at her in surprise, "Dead? I didn't think Marc would be so confident."