Avistar

Chapter 2

Aviva:

I push myself away from the book I was reading when I hear a loud bangging sound coming from downstairs, my dad must be back. I have been feeling a lot better with the herbal remedies he gave me before leaving to find a healer for me.

I was bitten by a snake. My cheeks heats up in embarrasment as I recalled the moment when that armored gentleman winked at me.

It was a heavy downpour that day, but after the rain subsided, the sun peeked through the clouds and shone on the lush green yard and the trees that stood tall on it.

Despite my father's stern warnings, I couldn't resist stepping outside to feel the cool breeze and the warmth of sun on my skin. It had been months since I had felt so alive..

My moment of peace was short-lived as I heard my father's footsteps approaching. I turned around and was met with his stern expression that conveyed his disapproval of my actions. I gave him a sheepish smile, hoping he would let it slide this time.

"Haven't I told you what would happen if anyone saw you here?!" his voice stern, but it wavered slightly, as though he was scared and worried sick.

I looked down at the ground, unable to meet his gaze due to the guilt I felt.

"Sorry father," I whispered. " its that- its just," I fumbled for right words, struggling to express my feeling

"I just felt cooped up and it felt really nice to be out. I liked it so much," I explained, my eyes finding his "father, please.. if only for few minutes-"

His deep sigh cut me off as he nodded his head up and down "fine, fine " he said, a frown resting on his face.

 scratching his ear as though he was deciding something, he turned around and again turned towards me "stay just here and don't make much noise." he said and I gave a quick nod as my smile turned up reaching my eyes, I jumped and hugged him. Thanking him several times until he chuckled and pulled me away. 

He looked at me with small smile before walking away, and I turned back to playing with the dewdrops on the leaves.

That's when I was bitten by the snake and for the first time I have seen one by my own eyes, it still sounds impossible to me, I have only seen them in books sometimes but the bit marks are the proof.

I fancy snakes, I nod, agreeing with myself.

I was shaken off of my thoughts when i heard a push on my door followed by some mumbling. I didn't hear any footsteps like I am used to of my father, his steps fall heavy and loud. I learned to observe the sounds of footsteps since I started to become sneaky. 

I used to open the windows when we lived in the house of cadmire. not anymore though as we now live inside the border of castle and Father has been paying a lot more attention to me. he says i shouldn't be seen by anyone, especially by the nobles. 

But I frown when I think I didn't hear it this time but maybe because I was in thought.

Father told me I won't need to open the door for him when he comes back and that I shouldn't open for anyone. I wasn't going to disobey his words when he wasn't around. I look intendly at the door, not feeling well about this. No footsteps, hushed mumbling, and its taking too long to open if he already has a key.

Alert, I sit straight and look around if anything might get me my answers, anything out of place. I push myself up on my knees on bed and open the grilled window but find nothing and sunddenly, the door banged open, hitting the wall with a loud thud. It made me flinch as I turned around and saw two unfamiliar people standing. i quickly jumped up to my feets, out of my bed.

They were armoured in same maroon clothes like the gentleman that day, though both of them aren't familiar nor do they seem friendly as him. I backed away from my bed, now realising.

I must be stupid to sit here when I had the chance. but where could i go? 

I cautiously observed them, wincing as I felt slight tinging pain on my snake bitten leg. my frown deepended when they made no move. My heart beating loudly as I think through all the possibilities.

"you must not let anyone see you, anyone other than us is not safe for you"

"there are stories, stories about you"

"don't let them know you"

my breathing raised, I took a step back again. Searching for that one thought in my racing mind which might help me get out of this. 

They looked at me, observed my panicked state, but they stood there. I looked at the window, no help, it has grills. The room is small, even if I try to run out of the room anyhow, what if there are more people? But-

I fought a smile as I remembered i could get through one of the window. i need to get out of this  but how? they are just standing on the doorway.

 Should I just talk to them?

 Should I run through in between them?

 That would be foolish.

- 894 words