When the Land meets the Sky: A Tail of Two Mages

Chapter 46 - Moonbeam

Rosetta's POV

Oh, hello there. It's been some time since you last saw me. I was forced to return home 2 years ago the day after my mentor was laid to rest and have been getting pestered by my father who is determined to find me a worthy suitor.

It's been three days since I was introduced to this man named Alador. He's a curious person. Much better than all the other suitors father has thrown my direction. It sickens me just how many people think of me as a free meal ticket to prosperity. If they only knew how stifled I feel. I was happier being a soldier. But father would bristle at such an idea.

"Is aught amiss, my lady?" Alador said, beckoning me from my thoughts.

"No, sorry," I replied. "Just deep in thought. I'm just so exhausted by father's coddling."

"I see," he responded. "I can let you return to your thoughts, if you so wish."

How thoughtful. Even if three days have passed, I'm already intrigued by his nuances. "No, it's alright. Father allowed us to walk around the castle in private, so I mean to make the most of it."

"Very well," he responded and raised his arm outward, signifying for me to continue. With the little I've been around him, he's been polite, almost uncharacteristically so. I'm quite dumbfounded why every single person I've come across would sooner use me than love me. Honestly, I could care less as this wasn't the future I've planned for myself, but my father's for me. Alador though, feels different.

"Can I ask you a question?" I asked suddenly.

"Of course, my lady," he responded, not looking in my direction but taking in the sights. I won't lie that I found that annoying, but at this moment, I'll let it slide.

"What made you try out as a suitor?" The question seemed to stop him in his tracks.

"Honestly, I just happened in town and noticed the proclamation notice about your father looking for a suitor for you." He finally turned to look at me. "I'm just a simple sellsword looking to hang up my sword and look for someone to settle down with. I figured I'd try to see how I'd measure up."

"How you'd measure up?" I questioned.

"To be honest with you, I have no idea what it is to be a ruler, let alone a husband. I wasn't expecting much to be had from all of this."

I stood there, stunned for a moment, then I could feel my face flush with anger. Impulsively, I slapped him across his face hard. "Wasn't expecting much?! Is this just a game to you?!" I screamed. Alador stood there, hand on his face, stunned. "We're done!" I scowled and I ran off into the forest near the castle without thinking.

Before I knew it, I ran deep into the forest, tears streaming down my face. I hated what I had become, and I just wanted to run away from it all. But then, I heard a loud growl behind me. As I turned around, a large bear stood on its hind legs before me. I looked up in fear and I took a step back. Sadly, I slipped off a ledge and tumbled into a shallow mud pit. My dress was caked in mud and tore up in spots. The bear came down the ledge as well to pursue me. I crawled backward in fear. I was unarmed and the thought of spells left me. I was defenceless. All I could do was close my eyes and await the mortal blow.

As I felt the bear's presence on top of me, I heard the drawing of a blade and then the bear roared in agony. I opened my eyes. "Alador?!" I muttered. He had already struck the bear.

"My lady," he urgently called out. "Are you okay?" Before I could respond, the bear caught Alador off guard with a mighty swipe against his arm. Luckily, Alador did not loosen the grip on his blade. He turned back toward the bear and pressed a mighty thrust into the bear's side. With a few weak grunts, the bear finally fell to the ground. Upon its defeat, Alador quickly moved to my side. "I am so sorry, my lady," he said to me as he reached out to my hand.