Flames of Freedom

The Necklace

Arlene watched the blond go, cheeks marked with tear tracks that had dried up. Alistair took her by the arm and lead her to the bed.

They sat beside each other, Alistair to Arlene's right, backs turned to the door in order to watch the clear blue sky outside the window. "He was a dear friend..." she said, thinking about a time when the angel was watching over her. "He had the loveliest brown hair and brightest green eyes that I ever knew of..."

Alistair felt his heart clench at her sorrow. "My mother had died of a horrible sickness..." he told her, gently taking hold of her hand. "She was a kind lady who loved fairness and equality for all..." Bastien had returned by then, lightly biting his lower lip. "I remember her. She would overlook our pranks and mischief..." the blond chuckled weakly at the memories of a raven haired lady.

"So, how long do we have to wait?" Alistair questioned the man. "Around an hour or so. My seamstresses are all very talented, you see." There was a hint of teasing in Bastien's voice. Arlene wondered just how close her savior and the blond were, but only for a moment. "We may wait that long, I suppose."

"Oh, lovely! I'll just start packing, shall I? Anything you want, Alis?"

"Stop calling me that!"

"No can do,  my dear~"

Arlene could not stop the small smile forming on her lips. Even though she barely knew these two, she felt like the three of them were already a close knit group of friends, at the very least. She couldn't help thinking about her old friend and whatever reason he might have had to seek shelter from someone whose parents were Hunters. Somehow, she felt she already had the answer to that particular question. At the same time, new questions arose.

"You should pack, Bastien. I know you love to have flare when it comes to clothes." Bastien placed a hand on his chest, faking a gasp. "I do not need flare! I just happen to love elegance!" Alistair wore a neutral expression for a few seconds before his lips twitched. Bastien laughed outright and Arlene felt a weight lift from her heart at the scene.

"We must be quick in our journey." She told them, face showing how important it was for them to keep going. "Vito might be looking for us right now." She gave Alistair a warning look, which had him straightening from the lax posture he had just a moment ago.

"Alright. I'll be packing a few clothes for the both of you as well. We can make do with the dresses." Bastien had waked over to the closet, looking for casual clothes that weren't too eye catching. He found a few simple shirts for himself and Alistair as well as eight pairs of pants. For Arlene, he had asked his seamstresses for dresses that were a comfortable fit. They would have to cut holes for Arlene's wings to fit through later but that could easily be done by Bastien himself.

On hour later found them just outside the tailor shop. Bastien was giving last minute orders to a middle aged lady. "Now, then! I trust you'll take care of the shop and it's workers, right Sophie?" The lady nodded at him, chuckling at his childish expression. "Of course I will! You be careful on your journey, and please take care of Bastien. He hasn't named who would get the shop in the event of his death..." she teased, causing Bastien to huff. "That's because I won't be dying for a long time yet..."

Alistair just smirked at the situation. Arlene was busy watching the crowd. She felt eyes on her again, much like back her momentary experience at the inn. She scanned the area before she locked gazes with the eyes of a pale woman. The woman had what appeared to be a long silk robe. Her green eyes appeared to be missing pupils and the long light green hair had a luminescent glow which, fortunately, went unseen by the people.

"Let's go!" Bastien sounded like an excited child, placing an arm over Arlene's shoulder. She blinked and turned her head to the left, face showing a frown of concern. It would not have been easy to spot if one were not looking for signs, but Alistair had pointed out a minute ago that Arlene might not be completely fine at the moment. Bastien looked at the area between a vegetable stand and a fruit stand. Arlene had been staring at the spot for a while.

"Yes. Let's go." She agreed, eyes returning to the place where she saw the odd woman. She felt a shiver run down her spine for a brief moment before she allowed Bastien to lead her to the gate of the village. As they reached the blacksmith at the west end of the city, Alistair joined them again. "I found a curious necklace." He said, showing them the jewelry. Arlene took it from him and gasped as she felt strong enchantments surge through her body. Her practically bony body gained more weight until she could pass as healthy.

Alistair and Bastien were surprised and neither could truly hide their reactions. "What...?" Alistair asked at the same moment that Bastien said, "Wow...!" 

Arlene growled lightly, roughly handing the necklace to Alistair. The two men gave her a confused look which prompted an explanation. "That has been dipped in the blood of nymphs. Possibly enough blood for five full servings of ale. It had absorbed the magic of the blood."  She glared at the necklace. "Nymphs are gentle beings. They are easy to harm and the more blood you get, the higher level of healing can be attained."

The two men tensed, dread coiling around them. "So much....!" Bastien whispered. Alistair appeared to be venting in his mind. He gulped, asking how fast nymphs can heal. "Slightly faster than humans but not like me." She had stated factually. The two joined Arlene in glaring at the necklace, wondering how The Trade could possibly be just and righteous.

"We must continue on." Arlene spoke, looking from the necklace to the path which lead towards the gate behind the armory. "We'll continue west from there." Alistair looked at the armory and the blacksmith working on what appeared to be a sword. "Let's get weapons once we have enough coins. For now, I can keep us safe with my flames." Arlene told him before walking towards the gate, her companion's following in step behind her.