["The sound of war drums is heard in the distance. The banner of the war flag was raised. It's time to answer Her call when the world is broken. We call upon you for your protection oh Morrigan the great Goddess of War, The Phantom Queen and the Guardian of the Shield.
Intruders beware! Because of the Warrior Cú Chulainn, Morrigan's chosen warrior has arrived. Because He will vent his anger on you at the command of the goddess. With his holy sword, Cu Chulainn repelled his enemy into the ocean."]
.
.
.
With that the mother ended the story. But the girl still wants her mother to accompany her. The girl looked at her mother pleadingly.
"Amara, it's already night. Go to sleep.", Answered the mother, namely Lady Helena Challand, while rubbing the head of her daughter. Even though the mother knew her daughter still wanted to be accompanied, it was late at night and she was tired. She kissed her daughter's forehead and then left.
The girl named Amara turned her body trying to sleep. But she can't sleep. This was not the first time she had heard the fairy tale. In fact, she had heard various versions of the fairy tale. But she was never bored and she found the character Morrigan and his warriors very interesting to her. Amara got out of bed and walked to her parents' bedroom. Getting closer to her parents' room, she could hear the sound of her parents arguing. Slowly, she peeked through the door. Amara sees her mother crying and angry with her father.
Her father seemed busy saying something, but his words only made her mother cry even more. This sight is not something new for Amara. She had seen her parents fight several times, but this was the first time she saw her mother look very angry. More angry than usual. Amara slowly closed the door. She sighed and walked back to her room.
That morning there was only Amara and her mother at the dining table. Her father is not seen. But that didn't make Amara worried. Because her father, Lord Andres Challand, the ruler of the House of Challand, was not used to spending time with Amara and her mother. Her father is more often outside the house. And even if he happened to be at home, he would often lock himself in his room.
Amara fiddled with the spoon in her hand and disinterestedly looked at the food in her bowl. Today's breakfast was mushroom soup which she didn't like.
"Finish your meal. Don't be picky.", Lady Helena seems to know her daughter's thoughts.
Amara looked at her mother. Her mother's eyes looked swollen but her attitude was the same as usual. As if nothing happened. Amara wanted to ask but she felt her mother would not give an answer to her question like before. Amara looked at the soup that was on her spoon and hastily she swallowed.
"Amara finish your breakfast and wait for me in the playroom.", Lady Helena rose and left the dining room.
Not long after, Amara had finished breakfast and headed for the playroom. The playroom is the place where she and her mother used to spend time together. Where her mother used to embroider or read a story to her. In the corner of the room lay her favorite doll. Amara grabbed it and sat playing it. After a while Amara began to feel bored. She looked towards the door but there was no sign of her mother coming. Reluctantly, Amara moved towards the locked balcony door. She peeked out. Outside the window, the flower buds were starting to bloom. This year's spring has arrived earlier than usual. The air outside was not as cold as usual.
There were soft footsteps and the door to the playroom opened.
Amara prepares to welcome her mother. But her movement stopped because her mother did not come alone. Her mother came with a boy.
"From today onwards he will stay here. Invite him to play.", Her mother without further ado gave the order.
Amara looked at her mother with a surprised and confused look. Her gaze implied an unspoken question.
"I have to go first. We'll meet for lunch later in the dining room. You guys just play here. Don't go anywhere without my permission.", Lady Helena avoids Amara's gaze and leaves the room.
"He-hello….", The boy tried to start a conversation awkwardly.
For a moment Amara was silent and watched the boy in front of her. She watched intently. The boy looked smaller than her and looked skinny. It also seems to be younger than her. His simple attire was reminiscent of the maid outfit in her home. There's nothing special about him. However… there is something that stands out about him. The boy has a similar hair color… even too similar to herself and her father…. which is silver.
"It's not polite. Before greeting someone, you should introduce yourself first.", Amara answered curtly.
The boy looked surprised but he caught his breath and opened his mouth again, "My name is Raul. Pleased to meet you."
"Amara. Amara Challand.", Amara introduced herself while slightly bowing in an elegant manner. Her mother always reminds Amara to pose like that when introducing herself. Raul, who was fascinated by seeing Amara, then tried to bend over awkwardly too. Amara chuckled at that.
8 years later...
The afternoon sun shone brightly. The faint sound of birds chirping. In addition to the chirping of birds, there is also the sound of wooden swords clashing. It looks like two people are practicing. The mentor gave some instructions to his student. Not far from there, on the balcony a woman sat reading a book while occasionally watching them. The woman is Amara, the girl has grown up. At the age of nineteen, Amara has turned from a child into a beautiful young woman who captivates anyone who sees her. Her body was wrapped in a beautiful silver dress that matched the color of her hair.
Amara paused for a moment and took her cup which was not far from her. She sipped her tea slowly. Her eyes looked at the young man who seemed focused on listening to his mentor's instructions. Yes, that young man is Raul. Raul has grown into a dashing young man with his face becoming more and more similar to his father's. Their father, Lord Andres Challand was famous for his good looks. Even at an old age, many admit that Lord Andres Challand still looks attractive.
Someone's footsteps were heard approaching Amara.
"Useless exercise. Better spend the money on something else!", Lady Helena said curtly even though she knew Raul was serious about his sword training. Amara was silent and didn't say anything. Naturally, her mother hates Raul. Because Raul is her father's illegitimate son. Their father, Lord Andres Challand, had many extramarital affairs. Don't know how many women he's slept with even though it's not all serious. Lady Helena always pretended not to know even though there was a lot of gossip about Amara's father around her. However, there were times when Lady Helena couldn't stand it and usually, they would have a big fight in their room.
The peak was when Lord Andres Challand brought home Raul, one of the children of his illicit relationship. Since then, her mother has become more and more bitter. The figure of a gentle and patient Mother has disappeared from Amara's life. Although her mother never kicked Raul out, it was him who usually became an outlet for her mother's anger. Surprisingly Raul never replied and always calmly faced Lady Helena.
"Amara, later for lunch; I invite guests. Lord Jorge will come with us for lunch. Accompany him for a chat.", Her mother walked away from the balcony.
Amara sighed. Her mother has recently been busy trying to match her up with some of her acquaintances. According to her mother, it was time. Amara doesn't mind getting married but she feels that she hasn't found the right person yet. And every person her mother introduced to her seemed less and less attractive.
The sound of sword fighting stopped. Amara peered down. Raul seems to be drinking. It looks like the training is over. Realizing Amara saw him, Raul waved his hand. Then he quickly climbed the tree near the balcony and suddenly found himself in front of Amara.
"What's the matter with you? Your face looks annoyed. Is it because Lady Helena is trying to match you again?", Raul asked with a serious face.
Amara just sighed, "I'm tired, Brother. Had to face all the men my mother introduced. You're lucky no one ever told you to hurry up and find a wife."
Raul just smiled a little, "I'm no one, Sister. So, I don't need to rush into marriage."
Amara paused and looked at Raul.
"Your face is getting more and more like father, Brother. It won't be hard to find a wife, I think. I'm curious. Your mother…what is she like?"
"My mother huh… She's a beautiful woman. Beautiful brown hair…I remember my mother was always busy meeting people. But she always takes good care of me. Provide warm food and clean clothes. We live in a house that is not very big but well maintained.", Raul answered dreamily.
"Did your mother ever tell you about your father? How did she feel when she became… my father's mistress?", Amara asked curiously. She wanted to know what kind of woman Raul's birth mother was.
"I don't know. Every time I asked who my father was. My mother never answered and just smiled. She only told me who my father was when she was dying. And not long after that, she died and father suddenly came and brought me here…", Raul answered slowly as he lowered his head.
Amara approached Raul then one of her hands held his cheek, "I'm sorry my question has opened up a sad memory..."
Raul slowly removed Amara's hand from his cheek, "Don't worry…. See you for lunch."
Raul slid down from the balcony through the tree and disappeared from Amara's sight.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That afternoon Lord Jorge came at the invitation of her mother. It was seen that the complete Challand family was present in the dining room including the father, Lord Andres Challand. Who was here specifically to welcome Lord Jorge. Lady Helena seemed enthusiastic to talk with her guests, Amara also involved herself well in the conversation. Only Raul sat quietly eating and didn't talk much. He knew all the harmony displayed in the dining room was just a mask to cover up the less harmonious condition of the Challand family.
In addition, the effort to match Amara is also to find a family that can support the Challand family's life, whose financial situation is not good. The atmosphere of "harmonious family" in the dining room is heavy and thick. Stifling to breathe. Even so, he was already used to breathing in that atmosphere. Slowly he glanced at Amara. Amara sat gracefully and served her guests quietly. There was no sign of objection, as she had previously said.
"She's good at controlling herself...", Raul muttered to himself as he took a sip of his drink.
"So how is it Raul, are you ready?", suddenly Lady Helena asked him.
Raul was silent. He had not followed the direction of their conversation. After all, usually Lady Helena always ignores him.
Amara realized that Raul did not know what was going on. "Lord Jorge is also practicing swordsmanship. And mom suggested how about you guys try a sword fight later. Just for entertainment. Show off your training results."
"Oh! Okay. I'm ready anytime.", Raul replied in a calm voice while wiping his mouth.
"Splendid!", Lady Helena smiled in satisfaction.
They continued to have lunch and after that, Amara accompanied Lord Jorge to walk around the house while giving their newly filled stomachs a break before the sword event.
Raul decided to wait at his favorite place. The plains of grass not far from their house. There he sat under a tree gazing far away. The summer breeze that blows gently provides a sense of coolness in the scorching weather. Raul took a deep breath and slowly exhaled through his mouth. He tried to relax and enjoy the calm atmosphere in front of him. That's what he usually does when he feels overwhelmed by the heavy atmosphere like the dining room atmosphere earlier. Raul is determined to be independent and leave his family one day. He hoped that learning the sword would give him the provision to fight in the future and realize his plans. For a moment, Raul was lost in thought while looking away.
"Srek, srek"
Came a sound behind him.
Amara appeared behind him. Alone. Her hand holding an umbrella. It seems that in addition to going around the house, Amara also invited Lord Jorge to walk out of the house.
"I thought you were here. Mother… I mean Lady Helena is looking for you to get ready.", Amara answered while standing beside Raul.
Raul prepares to stand up but Amara instead closes her umbrella and sits down. Making Raul not stand up.
Raul sighed, "Need some fresh air?"
Amara smiled, "I finally know why you like it here, Brother"
"Really? Then do you like it here too?", Raul asked as he glanced at her.
"Possible. This place is quiet. Matches your personality, Brother.", Amara looked far away, brushing her long wavy hair.
"Match my personality? What do you know about my personality, Sister?", Raul snorted and turned to Amara.
"A person who is calm on the surface but hides a lot of emotions at the bottom. Because basically you are a sensitive person… gentle-hearted…maybe you got it from your mother.…? There are many father's affairs and no one knows how many children the result of his illicit relationship will be. But you are the only one that Father brought here. Makes me wonder…. Why is your mother so special?", replied Amara while looking at Raul's eyes.
For a moment only the sound of the wind could be heard. In silence they looked at each other.
"I think we've been here too long. I don't want to upset your mother.", Raul's voice broke the silence. Then he quickly got up.
"Wait.", Amara held out her hand for Raul to help her.
Raul glanced at her hand and then helped Amara up. Their eyes met again but this time Amara hurriedly opened her umbrella and walked first.
Raul sighed and then walked after Amara.
Comments (0)
See all