Navida

Vainedge

The morning sun filtered through the small window of the bunkhouse, casting a warm glow on the rough wooden walls. Jacques stretched, his body still aching from the previous night's brawl. As he sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Noah leaned against the doorframe, already fully dressed and sporting a crooked grin.

"Last night was something, huh? You really showed those guys," Noah remarked, his voice carrying a mix of admiration and amusement. He crossed his arms, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Didn't think you'd take them all on. Looked pretty reckless for someone who usually preaches caution."

Jacques shrugged, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I wasn't going to let them keep running their mouths. Sometimes you've got to do what you've got to do."

Noah chuckled, shaking his head. " Anyway, Hans is calling a meeting today. Sounds like something big is coming up."

Jacques nodded, his expression turning serious. Hans's meetings were never casual affairs; they knew something significant was on the horizon.

*********

In the dimly lit heart of the rebel HQ, Hans sat slouched forward in his chair, his elbows resting on the wooden table before him. His grizzled face was set in a somber expression, and he rubbed his beard as the rebels gathered around. Sunlight filtered in through the cracks in the walls, casting long shadows that added to the tension in the room.

When everyone had settled, Hans began. "Good work last night," he said, his voice heavy with the weight of the coming days. "Take this week to rest up. You'll need it. We've got an important announcement in a week, and you'll need to be ready."

The room filled with murmurs as the rebels processed his words. Jacques and Noah exchanged a glance—whatever Hans had planned, it was bound to be serious.

*********

The day passed in a leisurely haze as Jacques and Noah took Hans's advice to heart, deciding to spend the day exploring Vainedge. The bustling capital city, though under the heavy hand of Navida, still had its charms. The narrow streets were filled with vendors selling everything from trinkets to food, their colorful stalls adding life to the otherwise dreary atmosphere.

They wandered through the market, sampling spiced meats and sweet pastries, the flavors a welcome distraction from the looming uncertainty. Noah was in high spirits, cracking jokes and attempting to haggle with vendors, much to Jacques's amusement. At one point, they found themselves at the old harbor, watching ships sail in and out, their sails catching the wind as the water sparkled in the afternoon sun.

As the midday sun hung high in the sky, casting a bright and steady light over the city, they bumped into a familiar sight. The same auburn-haired girl wearing a green knee-length, adorned with delicate floral patterns. Her demeanor was soft as she helped a young boy retrieve a kite caught in a tree. Her kindness was evident, and Jacques couldn't help but notice the way the sunlight caught in her hair, giving it a soft halo-like glow.

Noah's gaze lingered on the girl for a moment before he nudged Jacques with his elbow. "Hey, isn't that the girl from the other day? The one who stepped in during that argument near the market?"

Jacques nodded slowly, his eyes narrowing as he studied her from a distance. "Yeah... something about her feels different from the rest."

Before Jacques could voice more of his thoughts, the boy with the kite ran up to her, his face beaming with gratitude. She smiled warmly, ruffling the boy's hair before turning and locking eyes with Jacques and Noah. For a brief moment, there was silence—a hint of curiosity flickering across her face.

Noah, ever the outgoing one, decided to break the ice. He stepped forward with a casual wave. "Hey there! That was pretty nice of you, helping out the kid with his kite. You've got a knack for getting things out of trees, huh?"

The girl turned fully toward them, her smile gentle yet guarded. "It's nothing, really. Just saw him struggling and figured I'd help."

Jacques, though more reserved, felt compelled to speak. "We saw you the other day... stepping in during that dispute. You've got a good eye for trouble, haven't you?"

She chuckled softly, a sound that seemed to blend with the evening breeze. "I suppose you could say that. I can't stand by when someone needs a hand." She hesitated for a moment, then added, "I'm Anna, by the way."

"Noah," he said quickly, offering his hand. "And this here is Jacques."

Jacques offered a small nod, still studying her with a cautious curiosity. "Nice to meet you, Anna."

After a brief moment of mutual sizing up, Noah grinned. "You doing anything right now? We were just wandering around, looking for something to do. You could join us, if you're not busy."

Anna seemed to consider it for a moment before nodding. "Sure, why not? It's been a long day, and a bit of company would be nice."

They started walking, heading toward the quieter streets of the city. The conversation flowed naturally—Noah, with his usual charm, kept the topics light, asking Anna about her thoughts on the town and if she'd been around long. She was careful with her words, but she seemed to enjoy the easy banter.

"With that fair complexion of yours, I'd bet you're from Soregorge, right?" Noah inquired casually.

"No, I'm from somewhere a bit farther off," Anna replied with a wistful smile.

Looking at her expression, he decided not to continue the topic further.

As the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the cobbled streets, they found themselves near a small park. The sound of children playing in the distance mixed with the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze. They sat on a bench overlooking the park, chatting about everything and nothing, the evening slowly slipping away.

Jacques found himself glancing at Anna more often than he'd like to admit, drawn to the warmth in her eyes and the way she seemed to carry herself with a quiet strength. Despite his suspicions about her, there was something undeniably captivating about her presence.

Noah, ever perceptive, noticed his friend's lingering looks but chose not to comment, instead keeping the conversation lively. As the sky darkened and the first stars began to peek out, Anna finally stood up, brushing off her dress.

"It's getting late," she said, her voice soft but firm. "I should be heading back."

Noah stretched and got to his feet as well. "Yeah, we should probably call it a night too. Thanks for hanging out with us, Anna. It was... fun."

Anna smiled, a genuine one this time. "Likewise. Take care, Noah, Jacques." She hesitated for a moment, then added, "Maybe I'll see you around."

Jacques watched her as she walked away, the evening light casting her in a soft glow. There was something about her—something that made him want to know more, despite the uncertainties swirling in his mind.

"Come on," Noah said, clapping a hand on Jacques' shoulder, snapping him out of his thoughts. "Let's get going before we end up stuck out here all night."

Jacques nodded, casting one last glance at the retreating figure of Anna before they turned and headed home, the evening's events lingering in his mind.