Broken Providence

(20) A Surprise and a Challenge

"Claire,"

Aleodei said softly as she saw from her afar passing by with Belm, laughing closely together. Something twisted inside Aleodei's insides.

"Ameno Disciple Belm really is so cool isn't she?" Duin said lightly. Aleodei was startled but was pleasantly surprised seeing Duin. They had been hanging out quite frequently after the ball when Aleodei wasn't on a side quest, training or other things that Lady Monarch had given her to do, even showing Duin her hidden and forgotten library.

"Something like that," She mumbled looking back at Claire. Duin tapped Aleodei's shoulder, tearing her gaze away from Claire.

"You didn't come in for your stew today, it's Wednesday," she said with a frown. Aleodei tilted her head and nodded.

"Correct, Lady Monarch held me and I figured it was too late to get some," She admitted; dinner started at five, and she got out of the meeting at seven. Duin nodded.

"Ah, important people business," she said feigning seriousness. Aleodei smiled softly.

"Oh to trade with the food girl, my life would be fulfilled," she said joking for the first time in ages. Duin cracked a big smile at this gesture of humor.

"You should just quit the front lines then, and join the canteens, I'll treat you good," She said grinning as she patted Aleodei's stomach. Aleodei let out a gentle chuckle unexpectedly. She held a hand to her mask surprised and laughed ever so softly.

"I don't believe I've laughed in over a year, Duin," she said admittingly. Duin grinned and shrugged.

"Well, I'm about to make your day Aleo cause.." she pulled out a container, "I've brought you beef stew!" she said smiling. Aeodei was taken back.

"Duin!" she said astonished, "You shouldn't have!"

they moved to a closed-door entryway when they noticed they were in the way of the pathway.

"DUIN!" Aleodei whispered yelled. Duin with a big grin laughed, her cheeks were hurting because of so much smiling but it was worth it, she made Aleodei happy.

"Aleodei, I've never seen this side of you! you big doof!" she giggled as Aleodei stared happily into the steamed see-through container and whist she couldn't see her face, she knew she was overjoyed.

"I-" Aleodei began unable to find words, "I am only slightly embarrassed that I have let my guard down Duin, it's just- I've forgotten how joy felt. Thank you Duin so much thank you. for not just the stew, but you know, I don't know," Aleodei couldn't put into words how grateful she was. she was one second away from hugging Duin. Duin smiled softly.

"Anything for a friend Aleodei," she patted her shoulder. "Know that you have a friend in Trinity's cafeteria," she said. Aleodei smiled underneath her mask and nodded.

"and know that you have one in the front lines," she responded warmly. Duin was about to speak when a voice from behind interrupted them.

"You know, Paladin, you don't have to speak to the weaklings who can't fight," the voice said amused. Aleodei turned cold and glared their way. it was a man wearing a core colonel uniform. "I mean she's only here to feed us while we fight," he said smiling maliciously. Aleodei fully turned his way blocking him from Duin. "Why don't you go back to the kitchen kid," he said condescendingly trying to look over Aleodei's protective stance. Aleodei's ear twitched.

"You'd be wise to walk away," Aleodei said warningly. Duin laid a hand on her shoulder.

"Aleodei it's okay, don't worry about it. I have to go anyways," she said somberly and walked away. Aleodei closed her fists. Colonel Checklin grinned.

"Yeah, that's right girl go back to the garbage room!" he said snarkily. Aleodei grit her teeth and grabbed his collar harshly.

"You want to be respected? I challenge you," she said full of wrath. Checklin smiled.

"what'll I win?" he asked smugly. Aleodei looked to the side.

"Whatever you want, but if I win you forfeit your title and work in the trash department for as long as I'm here," She said angerly and confident. his smile dropped and he showed hesitation.

"why would I accept?" he asked cautiously.

"because Lady Monarch would reward you handsomely for any intel on me," she said grinning. He smiled maliciously.

"Deal."

......