TBA lol

Chapter 2

[Audrey's PoV]

Father never allowed me to touch any weaponry. So badly I wanted to own a blade that makes me feel its heavy weight on the palm of my hands. The cold metal that slashes through all enemies in front of me. To fight alongside an honorable soldier; the Commander. That would be a dream come true.

Every child has their rebelling moments. So do I. I looked aside my father's warnings and advises and went to purchase a sword for my own and started practicing on a training dummy that I had created in the alleyways of Salma District. I was under cover with a hood and ragged clothes all the time. No one paid attention to me. Other than the orphans that came to stop by and be awe'd as I unleash a new learned skill.

I'd tried to find a trainer to help me hone my skills up. Unfortunately, everyone turned me down as they knew I'm a Schwind. Not even when I offered the amount of gold, they still rejected. The name painfully swells in me, creating a void that won't allow me to escape.

Of course, I was busted. One of the trainers got uneasy and decide to report to my father that I'd been lingering around with weaponry and wanting to train my combat skills. He's a ticking bomb as I entered his office as called. My gaze stuck onto the red carpet all the time, decide my sword should be buckled on my belt to show him; that I'm not playing any jokes.

It was a terrible parent and child argument. How I wish mother is still around to help me out. I was flustered and out of words. In the end I ran. Towards a certain tavern.

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"A banquet of 10 Carnations, madame." Pulling my hood up, I stood beside her and also made my order. Thinking it's also time to visit her. The silver haired beauty took a glance at me, yet her cold expression doesn't change. "You had been following me since I got out from the tavern, Schwind." I flinched alongside the florist who nearly dropped the flowers she's holding. I protested, just why must she blew my cover in public.

"Here are your banquets, ladies." Her tone follows by timid and fear in it. Has my father had already posted those stupid posters up to not interact with his daughter or stuff like that? Stupid old man.

I decide not to check her out any longer, totally not worth the risk taken if she just blew my cover off like that. I quickly paid the florist and turned away. Releasing a tired sigh, I walked away towards the graveyard of Divinity's Reach. But....she's following me. Why is that.

"Aren't you following me too?" I turned around, meeting the cold gaze of hers again. She just sighed and pointed at the flowers she's holding. "I have to pay respects to my sister. It's her......Well, she met a tragic fate as a Seraph." Her gaze started to focus on the ground and softened up. Good job Audrey, you've hit a negative button damn it. "I....I'm sorry to hear about that. My condelence to her." Ah man, I really didn't expect that. Thought she's getting them to replace the wilting ones at the tavern like seriously Andrew has to replace them!

She looked up from the ground and into my eyes. "I apologize for blowing out your cover too earlier. I thought you're really just, following me...." I bit my lip and coughed slightly on how that's actually my intention. I still gave her a smile anyway and continued my slow walk towards the graveyard.

Unexpectedly, we talked a lot along the way. Found out Andrew and Petra took her in as her sister passed away. Except she wasn't comfortable on going out from her room a lot. Also found her amusing as she isn't intimidated at all on how I'm a Schwind, a noble family. Apparently Petra also blew me up. She also mentioned how she dislike my father who was the only one who apposed Queen Jennah's decision on bringing the refugees in. I totally agree on that. Definitely not because I'm all over the silver haired's beauty.

My mother should be somewhere higher ground and has a fancy structure build upon her. From the poor, to the commoners, to the rich, to the nobles and to the royals. I stood in front of her tombstone. Her very name; Lily Schwind was scribbled on the tombstone. When her time was up, what words were left for her. I knew it all by heart. That girl from the North also reminded me of her. It's a faint memory but I see it which also gave me the white hair streak on mine.

I placed down the flowers in front of mother and hugged my knees while muttering words. "Oh mother, the usual. Father is being the unreasonable person he is. But I found a new light. This may be weird as I'd only met for for like just an hour ago?" I was still muttering words and hugging my knees in front of mother, not aware on the other's presence beside me at all.

"Schwind?" She voiced out. My heart lumped up for a second and I switched my gaze over to her. Her somewhat cold eyes are gone. I blinked and stood up. "It's Audrey." I said while dusting dirt down from my clothing. "Huh?" She sounded confused, as if she never expected for me to give her my name. "My name, Audrey. I'll appreciate it if you call me that instead." She gave me a small nod and again turn her gaze down. From what she has told me, I'm guessing she isn't that good with socializing, yet holds a great unintimidated spirit. "Yuki......" was what she finally said out. I blinked and waited again for a better response. "My name's Yuki. Moriya Yuki."

It......It's a name from the Cantha, isn't it? Was what I wanna ask, but she really looked uncomfortable as her eyes shifted all over. Her fingers won't stop brushing the fabric of her clothing. I breathed in and out. Finally I took hold of her wrist and started dragging her out from the graveyard. It's very weird to introduce each other on a spiritual packed area.

"Hey! What are you....."

"To continue our talk elsewhere. A graveyard is pretty much the weirdest place to know someone." We walked back to the direction of Salma's District. The walk back was quite awkward as I was STILL holding her wrist. Yet Yuki doesn't resist at all.

Then, my grip slowly released her wrist. "It's a pretty name by the way." I gave her a wide grin. Her expression was a mix of confuse and surprise. "You're...not going to ask if I'm.....Canthan?" I shook my head.

I wanted to know more about her. I wanted to ask more. I wanted to be involved in more.....

"DONG!" The bells in Plaza of Dwayna rang across the whole of Divinity's Reach. It's meant to happen if the village outside of the city gates needs reinforcements. The Seraph are in great need.

I turned over to Yuki to ignore it and head back to the tavern. However, the look on her is devastating.

"On the same day...." She muttered under her breathe. "I'm sorry Audrey, I have to talk to you later." She then sprinted to the tavern before I could get hold of her.

It's a vengeful expression. Why? What's going on.

Father would be furious if I stay out in the streets any longer. I looked above the sky where a storm is brewing nearer. Biting my lip, I'd say screw it and follow the silver haired's footsteps.