Childrens of Terra

Nara I

She could scarcely believe what she saw.

He stood there, as tall and imposing as the day she last saw him. His harsh face is adorned with a frown, the only expression she could remember him wearing.

"No, this must be a dream. You're long gone already." She couldn't help but gasp, taking a step back as the man turned to face her.

"Hmph, you haven't changed at all, girl." Now standing in front of her, the man looks even taller and intimidating. "Still a disappointment to our family name I see, you truly are unworthy of being my child."

The woman shook her head, denying the man's word "No, you're wrong. I've accomplished much as a Duchess after your death, you on the other hand are nothing more than a specter of the past." Rising her head, the woman glared the man straight in his eyes "I've grown out of your shadow father."

Faced with her deviance, the man's face remains unfazed. Suddenly his right hand shot forward, grasping the woman's shoulder. Not expecting it, the woman could only let out a strangled gasp.

"That's where you're wrong, girl." Moving his head next to her, the man whispered "You will always be nothing more than my shadow."

With those parting words, the man shoved the woman back. Towards the chasm of darkness that suddenly appeared, engulfing her within its jaw.

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[Floor 67: Tegressa | 16/09/317 AC]

With a startled gasp, Nara woke up.

Hair slick and matted with sweats, she darted her eyes around, taking over the familiar details of her bedroom. 'Calm down me, it was only a dream. He's gone, he can't hurt you anymore'

//"You will always be nothing more than my shadow"//

Scrunching her eyes, Nara tried to calm down her erratic heartbeat 'Breathe in, breath out. It was just a dream- no, a nightmare. Everything's gonna be okay, there's nothing to be worried about.'

After what feels like an eternity, she finally managed to calm herself down. Just in time, for a knock and the muffled voice of her butler can be heard through the door. "Milady, are you awake? Your breakfast has been prepared."

Casting the thought of the nightmares out of her mind, Nara quickly gets up. "Thank you Louise, I will be out as soon as I'm ready."

It was time to begin her day.

---T3RR4---

With breakfast done, the young duchess prepares to deal with her duty for the day. Sitting down in her office, Nara listened as Louise informed her of recent matters and happenings.

"-if there's no more complication, the renovation shall be done by next week Milady."

Nara's face scrunched up in concentration as she worked on her personal computer. "Good, make sure that they spared no expense on it, the renovation of the farms is our current priority."

"Of course Milady." Coughing into his hand, the butler pointedly avoided looking at her. "On another note, Lord Radjiman has invited you to a luncheon this Friday. It appears that he wanted to discuss the upcoming ceremony, he also said that he's looking forward to knowing his betrothed better."

Not expecting that particular tidbit, Nara stumbled upon her words "P-please Inform him that I accept the invitation." Trying, and failing, to hide her blushes she added "And tell him that I'm looking forward to knowing him better as well."

"I will make sure to relay the message." Nara didn't miss the note of amusement in his voice "Are there any other things you need me for, Milady?"

The auburn-haired woman finally managed to contain her blush and instead choose to glare at the, in her opinion, far too amused butler "No, that will be all for now. I will call you if I need anything."

"I will take my leave then." With a bow, Louis left the room.

Left to her own device, Nara let her thoughts wander while she worked. 'I still can't believe I will get married soon. Granted, it is a mostly political one but still...'

Feeling the heat creeping into her face once more, the golden-eyed woman let out a frustrated sigh 'I'm a Duchess for Theia's sake, not some blushing schoolgirl. Why am I like this?!'

Her musing was cut short by a knock on the door, surprising considering she gave her staff an explicit instruction to not bother her while working unless it's something truly important.

"Forgive me for bothering you, Milady." Louise's voice can be heard through the door "But your guest has arrived."

'Ah, the hired help!' Nara straightened her appearance, first impression is the most important after all "Please let her enter, Louise."

The door opened, admitting the blonde-haired girl inside. She's young, younger than Nara expected at least, considering her experience.

"Your grace." Stopping in front of her desk, Layla curtsied with a practiced motion. "My deepest gratitude for accepting this humble commoner into your home."

"At ease, please take a seat," Nara said, motioning towards the chair in front of her table.

As Layla took a seat, Louise entered the room as well, carrying a tray filled with two glasses and a tall bottle of wine. Placing them on the table, Louise poured both of them a glass.

"Thank you Louise, I will speak alone with my guest for now." Acquiescing to her request, the butler left the room.

"So, Ms. Layla" Nara begun "I take it you're here because you're interested in my offer?"

"Yes, your grace."

"Then first thing first, tell me about yourself." Taking a sip out of her glass, the young duchess's eyes shone with curiosity.

"Well, I'm an orphan for as long as I can remember. I was fortunate enough to be raised in an orphanage on Floor 63 and received most of my education and training there. When I reached adulthood, I moved to Floor 52 and begun my career as a hired help there." Slightly blushing, Layla added, "Give or take a few months, I've been a hired help for close to 5 years."

Nara reclined back on her seat, visibly impressed "If I weren't sure about hiring you before, I would've been convinced now. That's quite the experience you've got for somebody so young Ms. Layla."

"You flattered me, your grace."

"Call me Nara, I can't have you be so formal if you were to be my lady-in-waiting."

"If that's what you wish Lady Nara."

Both of them continued to chat for hours after that, neither knowing how important their meeting will prove for the future...

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[Chapter End]
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AN:

And there we go, chapter 3. Yes, this fic has multiple pov structures. Each chapter will be told from the perspective of a different character, which will be signified by the chapter title.

I know, I know, this chapter is shorter than usual, and some might say it's not worth the wait. But this is basically just an introduction chapter for our new pov character.

The next chapter will be way longer, maybe even longer than chapter 2. We will finally meet one of the most important characters in this fic, I'm very excited to write him and I hope you guys will be there with me along the ride.

As usual, feel free to leave a review if you guys got any questions, critics, etc. That's it from me for now, see you guys next week.