Neledh || ONC 2023

Chapter 2 | Eira

Rouen was a beautiful town situated in a beautiful landscape. Yet after living there for a month, the walls were closing in on Eira. She needed to take a long walk outside of town, but her leg disagreed with that idea.

Inside the village there were enough things to be done, but there were also a lot of other people with two functioning legs who could do the task faster and easier. The day usually ended with her walking around the village without having done anything, while simultaneously being too tired to stay awake long enough to finish diner.

"Eira! Here."

Anders was sitting on a bench in front of the infirmary in company of the local girl, Nadine.

"Enjoy the sun while it lasts, winter will soon be upon us and though it won't get as cold as you're used to, you should cherish the warmth that's given."

The statement came along with several enthusiastic hand gestures and a shove against Nadine, to make room on the bench. After ample consideration did Eira slowly lower herself on the bench, trying to cover up the wince that threatened to expose her pain.

"We were just talking about the weather as you can imagine, and Nadine mentioned that the winter solstice is already almost upon us. I wonder if the captain wants to stay here to celebrate or if we will venture to the other villages and join them."

Eira had forgotten about that, time had felt different since she had started living in Rouen. The magic in the air would only become more oppressive as the solstice would near, and reach a high before subsiding once again.

"You shouldn't go too far Anders, as a lot of people here regard you lot with suspicion and anger. Apart from the fact that I won't be here to heal any wounds as I'll be going home to celebrate with my family."

Nadine was calm and collected whereas Anders would be enthusiastic especially when talking about family. Her green unblinking eyes big in her face, while she locked eyes with Eira.  

The exchange made a shiver run down Eira's spine. She had faced many a warrior in battle, yet this young woman barely out of childhood made her feel fear. Those eyes hid many secrets Nadine concealed behind a blinding smile, big green innocent eyes and twirling dresses.

"You're right, but a man can dream can't he? I do wish to celebrate the festival and as long as it is together with the captain I'm happy. He on the other hand was really looking forward to seeing the celebration of other people than the ones we have lived together with for some time."

Anders happily filled the silence as he stayed oblivious to the silent battle waging between his two companions.

"But I'm happy you have family to celebrate with, do they live nearby? No, of course not otherwise you wouldn't be the only one living in here. Are they like you?"

What this 'like' was stayed in the open. Nadine broke the eye contact she had held during the previous conversation, acting as if nothing of importance had occurred.  

"I took after both my parents, but they don't share my love for travel. It took me many years to convince them to let me see the world outside our home. I do miss them, as we are far apart, but knowing I'll see them again when I want as there is only distance between us."

Eira stared at the side of Nadine's head, boring holes in her white haired head, while at the same time trying to not look to suspicious. It wouldn't do for Anders to ask too many questions. 

"Really? Your eyes too? Before I went to the other side of the channel I had only seen that color twice before. Though I did assume their meaning was the same all across the land."

Green eyes filled to the brim with magic.

"In my family it is quite common, the townspeople have grown accustomed to it. But you're right in your assumption, it was one of the many arguments my parents used to make me stay home. The outside world can be quite a cruel place, especially when people regard you with fear in their eyes."

Indeed, most people don't take kindly after people who participate in witchcraft. 

-

Eira's doubts and worries were unnecessary. During the solstice nothing happened, as Nadine wasn't even present, nor was the town startled by midnight magical accidents.

Nadine was proper as ever, with a smile and a kind word for everyone. Especially for Eira, Nadine didn't let an occasion go to waste to offer some words to Eira. Small talk was an everyday occurrence. 

It soothed the uncomfortable feeling Eira would have in her stomach every time Nadine would smile at her. She didn't really believe Nadine dabbled in witchcraft, but you could never be careful enough. This feeling was out of this world and Nadine knew more about it than she said.

-

[Edited]

February 14, 2023