Womanish Lady

Chapter 24:

For the next month, Fuyaiyah did receive some useful information. Like how the Royal palace were calming down about her escape, but told the town that if they saw her, to report it to receive a reward. How the Archer women, without being seen, left a note on one of their arrows that only said-

"You have bigger things to focus on."

-but the Palace only took it as a threat, but with absolutely no recent information regarding them, the Palace couldn't do anything. Basically, the Royal palace was very frustrated, and the whole province was to report any unfamiliar person or any signs of Fuyaiyah.

Despite her disliking being a maid again, and having to deal with the men Her Teacher invited over, and being reminded of the mission she can't go back from, Fuyaiyah really enjoyed her time with Her Teacher and Siomi. But the more Fuyaiyah stayed with Her Teacher, Siomi, and around other pleasant, familiar things, the less her interest in staying focused on her situation.

When she would be playing and laughing with Siomi, Her Teacher would casually remind her not to have too much fun. She would get upset, but didn't show it.

When she was alone - at the end of the day, she would think. She eventually acknowledged why she got bothered every time she got reminded of what she had strived for.

She only wanted to be comfortable again. She knew that she had to finish what she started, but being around those she loved reminded her of her easy life at the village, and made her want to stay by those things.

For the next few days after the acknowledgement, Fuyaiyah constantly struggled with her own self. Her Teacher was aware that she was troubled, but everytime he tried to talk about it, she wouldn't want to continue the conversation.

One night, Her Teacher tried again.

"A lot of things must be running through your mind these days, but if something about your situation is bothering you, let me help -"

She stood up and ran towards her room.

"It'll be nice if you could stop talking about that!"

The very next morning, when Her Teacher woke up and fixed his tea, he caught sight of a note.

"I'm tired of being a maid. I'm tired of being looked at by grown men. I'm tired of talking about certain things too. So I'm running away."

He took a sip of tea.

"Hey, Siomi."

He turned over.

"Hmm?"

"I'm running away - so you know. I'll probably be back, but I'm leaving in two minutes." Fuyaiyah whispered.

Siomi woke up quickly and looked at her face.

"I know it's unlike me, but I've been troubled lately. Perhaps if I unwind for about a day or two, I'll be ready again."

"Okay, let's go."

Siomi got out of bed.

Fuyaiyah sighed.

"You'll get in deep trouble if you come along."

"Sorry but, you'll set back out in your journey soon-"

She frowned.

"-and I can't look after you then. So as long as I can, I want to watch over you."

This time, she was reminded of how unusual people, like Queen Veronica, Prince Tuquor, Thylin, Winter and others grew to care for her. However, the frown was still present on her face.

"We haven't even known each other that long."

He stretched.

"You said you were leaving in two minutes right? We'd best get going."

Fuyaiyah watched as Siomi quickly got ready and put on his cloak and told his bunkmate, Kieth, - who let Fuyaiyah in - to cover for him. Finally, she smiled and went along with it.

"Have fun, you two." said his bunkmate sleepily.

They both waved, and ran towards Bon-bon.

Fuyaiyah tried to be mindful of her situation and of Bon-bons feelings. She can't be seen riding her trusty horse, but her horse wouldn't let any outsider touch her reins. So, Fuyaiyah sat first on Bon-bon, but Siomi had to control her. Her horse didn't know the difference. But now, the two runaways were pressed closely together.

It was embarrassing at first, but, by the time the sun rose, and they found a secluded spot in the forest to rest, they were filled with energy.

"I'll run into town and get us some warm breakfast." Siomi waved and ran off.