Long live the Villainess

#4- Erveyn Painium

"Can I go somewhere? I really need to do something, alone."

I twist my hands a bit, embarrassed by my rude request.

"Of course," he responds, to my surprise. "You are an adult now. Just come back before lunch. Your mother will never forgive me if you are late."

I laugh lightly and hug Frederick, "Thank you... Dad."

I rise up and dust off the sand from my pants before starting to run.

"Be careful!"

I shake my head without diminishing my speed. He is the one who trained me. He should know better than anyone else how dangerous I can be.

When the silhouette of the northern oasis starts to draw itself in the pinkish hue of the sky, I slow down my pace and pick wild flowers on the side of the road.

Soon enough, a big bouquet is formed. Half of the flowers are dirty or half-wilted, but this is the best I can offer.

My breath and my legs become heavy and seem to sink even more in the sand. Behind a beautiful tree near a pond bathed in the morning light, a bed on stone lies in the dirt.

I stop just in front and put the bouquet with shaking and sweaty palms on my grave.

"Hello, Aideen," I whisper with a choked voice, "happy birthday."

I stay silent, looking at the cheap memorial I made myself seven years ago. It took me the whole day to gather the white smooth stones, but I never had the courage to go there a second time.

"I live well. I think that Frederick, Marianna, and Oseye really care about me."

Feeling an unknown weakness in my knees, I sit down.

"I remade my room. Instead of books, I put a painting that Oseye made me. Also, I am not afraid of the dark anymore."

Wet spots stain the white gravels.

"I have a bit of apprehension with blades, but I am handling things way better now," I start. "On the downside, I am not as gracious as I used to be. I guess it's the price to pay for being a swordsman. It's Frederick who teaches me now; before, it was Oseye."

"He is kind and very sweet, but I miss brother," tears are now rolling freely on my cheeks and nose. "I miss Sorin, Father, Mother."

I bite my lip, "I also miss sister."

"I know. I know that I have every reason in the world to hate her. But I still miss her. I miss her smile, the way she played with us, and how she hugged me when I was scared of thunder."

I catch my breath brutally, "But at the same time, I want to kill her. But I know I can't."

"Because her brother is dead, and you never got the chance to make it until my adulthood, and I am still unsure of who I am."

"But today, I made it. I am eighteen now," I smile between my tears. "I made it."

"We made it."

"HELP! PLEASE HELP ME!"

I jump off the floor and turn my head to where I heard the plea. Rattling sounds of hooves rumble at the entry of the oasis. I instinctively reach into my pockets. The shape of the re-comforting katar is imprinted behind the leather.

I climb the tree and hide behind the nest of leaves. A few seconds later, a young man enters the oasis, riding like the devil is after him. Maybe it is the case when half a dozen of mercenaries follow him.

"Please help me!" yelps the target.

My fingers curl into a fist as I gauge the assailants. Quite strong, six of them; their weapons seem quite impressive, but behind their appearance, I can guess that their level is not as impressive as it seems.