As the Sun Falls

Chapter 1

Ida wakes with the rising sun. She gets out of bed easily and swiftly, ready to start her day. She never likes to waste time in her room. She has training, and Olin never likes for her to be late.

Ida straps on her black, leather gauntlets and knee pads of the same material. Then she ties up her ebony like hair, tying it back as tight as she can. Her final step is grabbing her sword, and sheathing it on the belt at her waist.

Ida takes a deep breath, and opens her door, stepping into the chilled corridor of the manor. Only a few servants pass by her, blankets and pillows in their arms. They barely notice Ida, and simply walk past her. The are well aware that they are not allowed to address her unless spoken to, though Ida has never much liked that rule. The only people she has to talk to are Olin and her father. Would it kill the servants if they were to acknowledge her just once? Perhaps she wouldn't feel so lonely if they did.

Without waiting a second more dwelling on the depressing situation, Ida runs down the hall, gliding down staircases and sliding past servants. She arrives at the door to the ballroom in moments, and pushes aside the great oak doors leading into it.

The walls of the ballroom, surely once decorated in paintings and other wall hangings, are now decorated in something much less inviting. Rows of armor and weapons line the walls, and chests filled with daggers and gadgets sit against the pillars. It would be a depressing sight to any other daughter of a Duke, but not to Ida. To Ida, the sight excites her.

"Olin!" She shouts, walking further into the ballroom. She peers around the pillars, seeing no sign of her master.

Then, suddenly, Ida hears a door close behind her. She whirls around, her sword already unsheathed and pointed at the the unknown threat. She lets out a relieved breath when she realizes it is Olin, and lowers her sword.

Olin looks up at her, and smiles. "Ida," he says, bowing to her deeply. "Good morning."

"Good morning, Olin," she replies, sheathing her sword finally. "I thought you'd already be here."

"I thought so, too, but your father needed to speak to me," Olin answers, clasping his hands behind his back. "Of course, I agreed to his request."

"You don't have to do everything my father tells you to."

"I do, though, Ida," Olin counters. "I may be able to refuse you, but he is the Duke. Though, I suppose I don't usually refuse you, either."

"No, you don't," Ida laughs. "I wish you would."

"And why is that?"

"When you do everything I ask, it makes me feel privileged and spoiled. I don't like that feeling," Ida confesses.

"Well, maybe you are privileged and spoiled," Olin shoots back. He smiles immediately after, and Ida shakes her head.

"Thank you, Olin, for the reminder," Ida sighs out. "I needed it."

Olin laughs and then approaches Ida, reaching into his pocket. Ida watches him in curiosity, until he pulls his hand back out. His hand is in a fist, only peaking Ida's interest more.

"Is there a reason you're raising a closed fist to me, Olin? Such an action is punishable by a week in the dungeons," Ida warns, her voice teasing.

Olin shakes his head, still completely serious. Ida's smile fades, and she looks back at his hand. He slowly outstretched his fist, and then opens it, revealing an emerald ring. Ida recognizes it immediately.

"Olin," Ida whispers, looking between him and the ring.

"It was brought here this morning," Olin says, moving to place the ring in her hand.