BELLRAM V01 - Ambivalence of Light and Shadow I

BP001-P48 - Forest Path 3

Still in thought, Meia noticed that the woman was slowly left behind by the carriage. The swing of her hips was apparently a hindrance after all. Almost at the same moment, Meia realised that she would end up next to the carriage. Immediately, Meia sat down neatly. She straightened her back and forced herself to smile. The woman must have wanted something from her. That could not be good. Had she noticed the stares? What was Meia to do if she had?

The woman came up to her. "Hey, are you all right?" she asked directly in a friendly manner, turning her face towards her.

Meia already knew her voice was unusual, but combined with her face, it was shocking. While she had mentally prepared herself to speak to this woman, she had expected a normal woman. This one was so unreal that it was intimidating. Anyone who presumed to say beauty was in the eye of the beholder had never seen her. Her hair was black and shiny like graphite. The smile of her full lips had a reassuring warmth, as if one were already in her favour. Her gaze was gentle, but her eyes themselves were deep and determined. They looked like a purple night sky. Under her right eye was a beauty mark. For some women it would be a blemish, but on her it looked like a failed attempt at modesty. Meia did not know anyone to whom the word beauty would fit any better. What surprised her the most was that you could not see the journey on her at all. Meia herself, on the other hand, looked terrible. Deep circles under her eyes, clammy hair and her clothes were crumpled, soaked and musty from top to bottom. Normally she would have been unnerved by now, but the difference between them was so absolutely gigantic that she literally froze in shock.

The woman did not care that she was temporarily unresponsive and instead concentrated on adjusting her hood.

When she lowered her arm again, their bracelets clashed and a melodic ringing arose. It was very soft, but Meia heard it nonetheless. The sound was flattering to the ears and produced a psychic effect on her that woke her from her rigidity again. She felt as if she could see the coins falling in front of her that the bracelets had cost.

"A-A-All fine. Thank you so much for your consideration.", Meia stammered, hoping that this answer would satisfy her.

"You are the third maid." she said. It had something of a question, but it was a statement. It sounded like an insinuation.

"Y-yes, that is correct. My name is Meiandra Arvis. I came into the service of Her Majesty the Queen only a few weeks ago. I thank you again for your concern. Um... You know who I am?"

"Mhm, yes..." The woman's gaze went to the clouds, as if she was looking for something there. "As the leader, I naturally asked who was coming along." It was said to herself. At the end of the sentence, she looked back at Meia and pointed at herself with her left thumb. "Oh, I'm Violet." She stated with confidence.

At that moment, Meia made a connection. Her eyes were purple. Her cloak was purple. Had she got the name because of her eyes and bought the cloak because of her eyes? Maybe the colour was something like her trademark? In any case, Meia hoped she would be gone soon, but surely she wanted something.

"D-do they have a last name I can use?"

"Violet Siobelga, but I want people to call me Violet. Mrs. Siobelga is my mother. I'm not that old yet."

"Miss Siobelga?"

"I'm not that young either. Call me Violet."

~It's seems to be a fine line she's walking.~

"I rarely work for the country, and once I've delivered you all, that's it again, but I hope you will still remember my name, fufu."

The sentence was unnecessary. Did she just want a conversation? If that was the case, how should Meia respond? Hardly anyone had talked to her in the last six months. Her ability to keep a conversation alive was severely underdeveloped. If she had at least asked a question, it would be easier. Meia did not want to offend her. She was undoubtedly a much more important person than herself. It would not be wise to upset her in any way, so she decided to try and get rid of her.