My Life as a Companion Ch.4

Ch.4

I gazed at the city gates of Ivria and smiled for the first time since I had escaped the tower many days ago. My clothing was awfully torn and my hands and face were dirtied. I shuddered to think of my father's or Malin's reaction to my appearance. Dirt and dust streaked my gown and I imagined my hair was in a similar state. I ran a hand through my hair and it came away sticky with sweat and dirt. I gave my hand a disgusted look. I hoped that I would be able to find an inn quickly.

I noticed immediately that there were no guards standing in front; I could come and go as I wished.  Feeling my smile grow wider, I stepped inside Ivria and was surprised to find myself being pulled and pushed around in the current of the crowd.

A man jostled me and I found myself pushed into another man who scowled at me. I caught myself and stuttered apologies that went unheard. People continued to flow around me occasionally running into me with muffled curses.  I felt lost amongst the crowds and the busy streets.  At one point I had to dodge a cart that would have run me over if I hadn't moved. Unfortunately, in my haste to avoid it, I tripped and landed face-first in a giant puddle of mud.  No one seemed to notice, or if they did, they didn't care.  Holding my tears back, I tried to get back to my feet.  Humiliation was the only thing I felt.  I stood quietly in the middle of the puddle, watching the crowd stream by, parting to avoid the mud.

I started to wonder what could have ever made me wish to leave my home. If this was what cities were like, I wasn't sure I wanted anything to with them. A lady wearing an elegant gown passed me with a disdainful look. I trembled and when a gap in the crowd opened I stumbled away. I leaned on a wall shaking with contained tears and fear. All my relief at finding a city faded.

"Hur, hur, now wot's a pretty lady doin' here?"

I whirled around to see a rough man in ragged clothing standing behind me. He smirked at me with crooked yellow teeth and horrible gleam was in his eyes as he looked at me appraisingly.

"I, I..."
"Heh,heh. I can take ye somewhere good."
"Uh.. Sir, I--"
"Excuse me, are you bothering this young lady?" A male voice asked from behind me.  The rough man paled and murmured something about being friendly before hurrying away.
  I turned around to thank the man who saved me, but was shushed before I could get any words out.  "Not now. Come, you look like you could use a bath." He gave me a kindly smile. "I can guide you to an inn."
He offered me his arm and I took it feeling very grateful for the guidance in this bustling city.

It was hard to keep my composure and not inhale all of the wonderful food in front of me, which is not something I would ever do, but I managed. After taking me back to the inn, I had been presented with a new set of clothes. I was then shown to the bathroom in which I scrubbed myself until my skin turned pink.  The bath alone had served to help me feel better.  Afterwards, he had taken me downstairs and bought me dinner. While I ate, he introduced himself as Elos. After I finished enough of my food that I no longer felt famished, I paused to study my saviour.  He had sleek black hair and was tall and well built. What really stood out though, were his silver eyes. I had never seen eyes like his before and they made him seem more exotic. I was a little nervous around him, but at the same time he seemed quite friendly.

"I never did get your name," He said after a few moments of my scrutinizing him.  I flushed, guessing I'd been caught and immediately lowered my eyes to my empty plate.  Would it do to tell this stranger, this incredibly kind stranger, my name?  Was Daegromar looking for me?  I forgot he was waiting for an answer until he cleared his throat, so lost was I in my thoughts.

"Libellia." I blurted out my name in my surprise and fear of seeming rude.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Libellia. You're not from around here, are you?"
"No. I just arrived." I continued to stare at my plate.
"You haven't had a lot of experience being in a city, have you?"
I shook my head.
His voice indicated that he was amused. "It is a little harrowing at first, I'm sure you'll get used to it--"
Without even realizing what I was doing, I cut him off, "I won't be staying here for long, Sir Elos.  I...I'm just staying tonight and then departing." I quickly flushed, embarrassed at my outburst.
Elos simply smiled in return.  "Ah, but I see no traveling companions."  I shook my head.
"If you will my pardon my saying so, you do not seem accustomed to travel."
"N-no..."
He looked concernedly at me. "The roads are often quite dangerous."
I swallowed nervously and something of my fear must shown for he smiled once more.
"I apologize. I do not mean to worry you, but you seem ill prepared for the road."
"I know there are dangers, but I must." I said quietly.  He nodded and seemingly from out of nowhere, he produced a strange weapon.
"Here, take this," his smile was practically a grin.
"Um... Not to be rude, Sir Elos... But what is it?"
His silver eyes widened, "Why, child, this is a flail!" He continued to mutter something about no one knowing anything about weapons.  "Anyways, please, take it, I don't need it."  I stared in bewilderment at the odd weapon. A long slender silver chain connected a spiked metal ball to the black wooden handle banded with silver.
"U-Uh... I can't-"
"Don't be silly.  It's a gift."
Not wanting to be impolite, though I hadn't any idea exactly what a flail did or how to use it, I obediently took the thing from his hands. It was heavy and I despaired of ever gaining use from it.
"I honestly do not understand..."
"If nothing else, it will serve as a deterrent for anything or one that wants to attack you. Please, just accept it."
Remembering my manners once more, I bowed my head with respect. "I thank you, Sir."
"I will feel better knowing that I did not allow you to continue on completely defenseless." He sighed. "I would accompany you, myself if I could, but there are tasks I must attend to here."
"You have done more than enough for me already. I will ever be grateful."
His smile returned.  "Well, it is a pleasure to have met you."  He stood and dropped a small sack of coins onto the table.  "I hope your journey goes well!"  Before I could protest about the money, he took his leave from the table and vanished into the crowd. I blinked, feeling rather startled and discomfited by his sudden departure. I took the small sack not knowing what else to do and knowing that it seemed likely I would need it. I suddenly felt very tired and decided it was time I went to bed.  Elos had paid for my room as well, for which I was very grateful for, if a little confused.

As I walked slowly up the stairs to the second floor, I wondered just who Elos had been. He had seemed very gentleman-like. Whoever he was, I was very grateful for his aid. I do not know what would have happened to me had he not arrived.

I entered my room and lay the heavy flail on the small table against one wall. I had no idea what I would do with it. I had never been trained in any sort of weapon-it was highly improper for a princess, and I certainly had never had any sort of experience with a weapon like this.  I eventually sighed and pushed away my thoughts.  I was too exhausted to think anymore. I slipped beneath the bedclothes and fell into a peaceful sleep.

The next morning I packed what little I still had and smiled.  Being treated kindly had done me well, and I hoped to someday return the favor.  For now, I'd just concentrate on returning to my kingdom.

I left the inn in good spirits and perhaps it was only because it was morning or perhaps it was simply because I was feeling better, but the streets seemed less hostile to me. I asked a passing man for directions out of the city and he obliged, pointing me down the street and directing me to the main thoroughfare. From there I merely had to follow it to the gates out. I thanked him and carefully made my way towards the city gates. I did not want to run into anyone this time.  Luckily, there were no mishaps and I managed to reach the gates in good condition.  Stepping out of the city, I had a smile plastered on my face.  I was on my way home.