Inching closer and closer to the Maramaks thingie...!
Enjoy!
Before the Destination
Elina’s party was progressing through rocky mountains that stuck out beyond the clouds. They had already surpassed the treeline—in other words, there were no trees around them anymore—, and around them they could see in some places remnants of snow that hadn’t melted yet.
There was only one side road, made by scraping off the rocky cliff walls, which offered little footing; whoever lost their balance had only a headfirst fall toward the cliff to look forward to.
The fact that they weren’t the first to tread there was a surprise, even when one considered that there must have been craftsmen to build the road.
“Are you okay, Lady Elina?”
Airi called out to her.
“Who do you think you’re talking to? This is no big deal.”
The Vance answered as she hugged the rock wall.
She had no fear. They had made it to where they could see the place they seeked: the gate to Maramaks.
On a ridge by the other side, they could see a stone gate across the sea of clouds. It was no dream or fantasy; that was the real thing.
They could only follow the side road now.
“With that said, the day will be over soon.”
The moment she found a ledge where it seemed they could rest, she stopped walking. Due to them being in a high mountain, the sun would set slower than in a plain, but it would surely get freezing cold at night. They needed to make fire and get warm while they had the time.
She knew that was the wisest choice. Deep inside she’d prefer to keep going and reach the gate even if she had to brave through the night... but that was a no go; it was also a ruler’s duty to think about the safety of her followers. After all, she could only earn the people’s boundless loyalty if she preserved their safety and peace at all times.
“Shall we call it a day?”
Elina made the decision to spend the night there. On the shelf there were some remains of the fire the last visitor had used. And the fact that someone had chosen to stay there meant that the place was safe.
“Yes, Lady Elina. I agree.”
The maid dropped the three bags worth of luggage she was carrying, and began to prepare for their rest.
“I-I’ll lend you a hand!”
Clearly concerned, the boy went to Airi’s side. The work the latter had to do from then on was manifold: making the fire, fixing dinner, setting up the tent, preparing their sleeping bags, among others. It wasn’t something only one person could arrange on their own.
“That won’t be necessary. Sir Michel, you can just stay by Lady Elina’s side.”
The wraith declined with confidence, devoting herself to her job. As glad as she was for his thoughtfulness, it didn’t seem like she’d be leaving her own work to someone else.
“But, you alone...”
Michel started talking, but he soon stopped: Airi wasn’t alone. He could see the lesser spirits she summoned carrying the baggage. On a secluded place such as this, there was no need to hold back in using her wraith powers.
“I’m glad that you do understand.”
She smiled seeing his change of heart, then went to give her spirits instructions. In no time at all, the tents were set up and the sleeping bags prepared.
“They aren’t as useful as other homegrown spirits, but with a bit of training, they can do this much.”
“Amazing...”
“I don’t call them inside towns since there are eyes everywhere, but here is just fine.”
After finishing their work, the lesser spirits disappeared as they slipped into her clothes. One could wonder if maybe touching her soft skin was the sole reward they got.
“Hyah!”
From time to time the maid raised her voice, wriggling her body; a mischief from the spirits, perhaps?
Looking away, the kid went to Elina’s side, the blonde staring at Maramaks’ gate from the ledge.
“Will Airi manage?”
“It seems she has enough help.”
He stood besides her, and gazed in the same direction as her.
He could see Maramaks’ gate shining in the setting sun. The scenery had a solemnity to it.
[We’ve made it to the point where we can see the end of our journey.]
The thought made something hot well up in his chest.
“We’ve finally made it this far.”
“Yes.”
“There’s no rush. The gate won’t move from there.”
If they proceeded through the road on the mountain ridge—always providing their feet didn’t slip—, they’d be able to reach it within half a day.
“We’ll be reaching it before noon tomorrow.”
“When we reach the gate, what will you do, Michel?”
“Good question...”
He didn’t know what to reply, and just lay there puzzled. Just why had he been aiming for a Beautiful Fighter and for the way to Maramaks? He couldn’t remember.
“I don’t know...”
“Maybe you’ll remember when we get there.”
Gently stroking the troubled kid’s head, the noble girl stopped looking at the gate and set her eyes on Airi.
Since the gate was located in a ridge with an altitude lower than the one they were in, it had already lost its solemn shine, and all too soon it would disappear within the veil of darkness.
[Here the evening will mark the end of the day soon as well. Let’s take a rest before that happens.]
As if reading her mind, the smell of black tea drifted towards her.
“It’s time for tea, Lady Elina.”
“Excellent timing.”
“I’m delighted by your praise.”
Seeing the maid pour tea into the cup with a theatrical gesture got a smile out Elina. The prepared tea set in question was an elegant article suited for nobles.
“Truly, your tea is more elegant than that of a street inn.”
Shy at being praised twice in a row, the wraith’s cheeks turned red.
“What are you preparing for dinner?”
“It’s a stew.”
“Oh, good, it’ll warm up our bodies.”
The noble couldn’t really tell if Airi’s cooking skill had risen since her re-summoning, or maybe it was that the maid hadn’t had a proper opportunity to show off, but the stew she ended up making was worthy of being called a masterpiece.
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