LOVE IN THE SHADOWS OF TIME l LINGORM

CHAPTER 5

The sun was just reaching its peak as LingLing made her way through the village streets, taking in the bustling scene around her. She had become a familiar face, with villagers waving and greeting her as she passed. Each day felt a little more like home, and yet she couldn't shake the anticipation bubbling within her at the thought of seeing Orm today. 

 Just as she reached the edge of the market, she spotted Orm waiting under the shade of a tree, her gaze shifting to the colorful stalls. 

 The village streets were lively today, filled with vendors selling fruits, fabrics, and handmade trinkets. Children ran past them, playing a game of tag, while a vendor shouted about fresh bread, pulling them both into the colorful, busy heart of Aveloria. 

 LingLing couldn't help but notice the way Orm's face lit up as she caught sight of her. She felt her own smile widen as she approached. 

 "Right on time," Orm said with a slight smirk, her tone light but her gaze warm.

 "I wouldn't miss it," LingLing replied. "Not with all the excitement you've been hinting at." 

 They began walking, weaving through the crowd, their shoulders brushing occasionally as they passed close by each other. LingLing noticed that Orm seemed to linger just a little longer than usual beside her, casting sidelong glances every so often. 

 You know," Orm began, her voice quieter now, "the villagers still have been talking a lot about you since that day in the forest."

 LingLing's brow furrowed with curiosity. "Oh? And what are they saying?" 

 Orm hesitated, her expression thoughtful. "They say you're some kind of protector. I heard it spread from the village to neighboring towns. They're calling you a hero, Ling." 

 LingLing chuckled lightly, shaking her head. Like I said before "I just did what anyone would do. I couldn't let those men hurt anyone."

 "But not everyone would've faced them head-on like you did." Orm's tone shifted, a hint of seriousness in her eyes. "You risked yourself to save those girls. I didn't know if you'd be okay, and when I heard the rumors again... it stills worries me." 

 LingLing felt a pang of guilt, knowing how her actions might have affected Orm. "I'm sorry for making you worry. I didn't think about the danger at that moment; I just acted. I couldn't stand by while they were—" 

 "—in trouble. I get it," Orm interrupted gently, her voice softening. "But you need to be careful. You don't belong in that kind of danger. You belong here, with me... with the villagers."

 LingLing paused, taken aback by the intensity of Orm's words. "You're right. I do feel like I've found a place here. But I also want to protect it. I don't want to sit by while others are threatened." 

 Orm looked at her, her eyes searching LingLing's face. "I admire your bravery, but it frightens me too. I don't want to lose you, especially not to those vile men." 

 LingLing reached out, lightly touching Orm's arm, an attempt to comfort her. "I promise I'll be more careful. I don't want to put you through that worry again." 

 As they walked, LingLing noticed Orm's brow slightly furrowed, a flicker of something deeper crossing her features. "You know, I didn't expect to feel so... protective," Orm admitted, almost hesitantly. "You've only been here a short time, but it feels like... you matter to me."