Edin Hill
Tallia arrived at the edge of the cliff, her gaze sweeping over the familiar sight of Cliffdecorps Village, nestled in the valley below. The afternoon sunbathed the landscape in a warm glow, and a breeze drifted by, carrying the scent of pine and earth.
This was the very spot where she and Weston had made their heartfelt promise years ago—a moment etched deeply in her memory.
Her expression softened as those memories flooded back. She could see Weston's awkward smile in her mind, hear the sound of his nervous laughter, and feel the warmth of the bond they had nurtured beneath the open sky. It felt as though a part of her still stood here with him, lingering in that cherished moment from long ago.
A voice broke through her thoughts, calm and deliberate.
Cecilia said, "Beautiful memories, aren't they? Those cherished moments of yours."
Tallia turned sharply, her body tensing as her eyes landed on the cloaked figure standing a few steps away.
"Who are you?" Tallia asked, her tone cautious.
The stranger gave a small, measured smile. "My identity isn't important. What matters is that I finally get to meet the Maid of Aurelia face to face."
Tallia frowned, her brow furrowing in confusion. "You've mistaken me for someone else. I'm not that person."
The woman's eyes seemed to glint knowingly, as though she saw straight through Tallia's words.
"You're heading down to the village to see your beloved, aren't you?" the woman asked.
Tallia's breath caught in her throat. "How do you know...?" she whispered, her voice tight with unease. A desperate urgency welled within her as she swiftly equipped her armour and weapon, her body tense and ready for whatever might come next.
"Identify yourself," Tallia demanded, her tone hardening.
Cecilia's expression remained calm as she tilted her shoulder to reveal the emblem emblazoned on her cloak.
Tallia's eyes narrowed, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face as suspicion began to take root.
"Right now, you're teetering between embracing the Gladiator League and living out your days with your lover in that village." As Cecilia spoke, her right eye glowed with radiant gold. "Yet, deep down, your heart yearns to be with him, resisting the obligations that pull you toward becoming a gladiator."
Tallia's thoughts raced. "Could she possess an extraordinary ability to read emotions? Has she been shadowing me?" But her face remained guarded, her voice firm.
Cecilia continued, "The threads of fate are beginning to weave your story. This very juncture is the crossroads of your destiny."
Her tone grew heavier. "Remember this: you're fated to step into the Gladiator League. It's a path predetermined for you. Struggle and resist as you may, your efforts will prove futile."
Tallia clenched her jaw, defiance simmering in her gaze. "I'm not about to put my trust in your words."
Cecilia turned as if to depart, her gaze lingering on Tallia. "But at the very least, your struggle will be beautiful—a reflection of your unique soul, a journey I would take part in as well."
She paused, her voice carrying both certainty and weight. "Soon, you'll face a challenge greater than any you've known. You will need more strength than you have now."
Then, with quiet resolve, she added, "When that time comes, seek me out. I'll be waiting here, on Edin Hill."
Cecilia began to walk away, her steps light and deliberate. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Tallia. Until destiny calls us together again."
And with that, she disappeared into the woods, leaving only the faint rustle of leaves in her wake.
Tallia's brow furrowed, her expression betraying her turmoil as she processed Cecilia's words.
She turned toward the elevator platform and pulled the lever to descend into the village below.
As the mechanism hummed to life, carrying her downward, her mind remained restless. "Fated to be a gladiator? I can't afford to dwell on her words now."
***
Cliffdecorps
As the meeting concluded, Cliffdecorps villagers slowly filed out of the main hall, murmuring amongst themselves. Weston lingered near the entrance, lost in thought.
Suddenly, he felt a familiar hand on his shoulder. Turning, he saw his father, Asher, standing beside him.
"Walk with me," Asher said quietly, nodding toward the village path.
They walked together through the village, side by side in silence. After a moment, Asher spoke up, his voice gentle but probing.
"You've seemed troubled lately. Like something's been weighing on you."
Weston looked away, his expression distant. "Yeah... the situation with the village," he said quietly. "I can't stop worrying about it."
Asher eyed him with knowing scepticism, a small smile playing on his lips. "It's more than just the village, though, isn't it?"
Weston turned, caught off guard. "What do you mean?"
Asher's gaze drifted forward, a hint of amusement lighting his face. "Could it be something to do with a certain girl?"
Weston's eyes dropped, and a faint blush crept into his cheeks. Caught off guard, he found himself grappling with the truth in his father's words.
Asher chuckled heartily. "Hahahaha! Whatever it is, I know you'll handle it."
Weston looked up, a smile easing onto his face. "It's good to hear you laugh again. I was worried that maybe even someone as optimistic as you could get worn down." He glanced at his father with admiration. "Glad to see I was wrong."
Asher's expression turned serious yet warm. "I'll never lose hope, especially as the head of this village. This place... it's the light our ancestors dreamed of through those dark times. It's up to us to keep that light alive."
Asher placed a firm hand on Weston's shoulder. "And the same goes for you, son. As one of the youth of this village, you must never lose hope."
Weston nodded, his father's words settling into his heart. He took a breath, standing taller. "I won't, Dad. I promise."
Asher's face softened, his pride unmistakable. He reached into his cloak and pulled out a small transponder device, pressing it into Weston's hands.
Weston looked down, puzzled. "What's this for?"
Asher's expression grew solemn. "I need a favour from you. The king's always favoured diplomacy, but recently... something feels wrong."
He paused, his voice low yet firm. "When I refuse his decree, there's a chance he'll retaliate. He might cut us off, and if that happens, the next step will likely be to arrest me and Eliezer without delay."
Weston's eyes widened, his chest tightening as he took in his dad's words.
Asher nodded grimly. "If that happens, I'll send you a signal using this."
He looked at Weston, his gaze steady. "And if you receive it, I'll leave it to you to make decisions on my behalf. While I may hold the title of Chief, my life is no more valuable than that of our community. Protect the village above all else."
The weight of his father's words settled in, and Weston gripped the device, his face determined. "You can count on me. I'll make sure to handle things properly."
Asher's face softened, a glimmer of pride shining through. "That's the spirit of Cliffdecorps."
With a final nod, Asher turned to walk away, leaving Weston alone on the path. Weston watched his father's retreating figure, his heart brimming with determination and respect.
"Good luck, Dad," he whispered, almost to himself.
Ahead, Asher raised his right arm in a silent acknowledgment, signalling that he'd heard, before disappearing down the path into the village.
***
Tallia strolled through the bustling village, her eyes darting around in search of Weston's familiar figure.
"The village feels unusually lively today," she thought. "If Westie is anywhere, he's probably at his house."
With that in mind, she set off toward his residence, her steps quickening.
As she made her way, she heard a cheerful voice.
"Well, look who we have here! Tallia, it feels like ages since you visited!" Aunty Fayer exclaimed.
"Aunty Fayer! Yes, life's been quite busy lately," Tallia replied, smiling.
"You're positively glowing! Enjoy your time with Weston, dear," Aunty Fayer said warmly.
"Thank you, Aunty," Tallia responded before continuing her brisk pace.
She soon encountered Uncle Rook. "Uncle Rook, it's been a while, hasn't it?" she greeted.
"As beautiful as ever, Tallia," he said, his smile genuine.
"Haha, your kindness is appreciated. I'm in a bit of a hurry right now, but I'll catch you later," she said, waving as she moved on.
As Tallia made her way, she unexpectedly crossed paths with a pet wolf. Its presence was immediately announced by a resounding howl that echoed through the air.
A rush of excitement and fond memories surged within her as she recognized her familiar friend. With uncontainable joy, she embraced the wolf affectionately.
"Ember! Oh, how I've missed you!" she exclaimed, her heart swelling with affection.
Eagerly, she pressed onward, a renewed purpose guiding her steps. "Come along, Ember!" she called, her pace quickening with determination.
Arriving at Weston's doorstep, Tallia knocked and called out his name. "Westie!"
No response echoed from within. "He must not be here," she mused, turning away from the door.
Just as she began to walk, a familiar voice reached her ears, causing her heart to race in recognition.
"Tallia..." Weston said, his voice carrying a mix of surprise and warmth.
A wave of excitement and delight swept over her as she spun around to face him, nostalgia enveloping her like a warm embrace.
For a brief moment, the world around them faded, and they were transported back to their childhood.
She could almost hear the echoes of laughter and playful banter from days gone by, but just as quickly, reality pulled her back to the present.
"Westie!" she called out, her voice filled with joy.
"What brings you here?" he asked, a curious expression on his face.
"Let me think..." she said playfully, a mischievous smile creeping across her face. "I thought I'd come over and tease you a bit!"
Weston's expression shifted to one of annoyance. "I apologize, but I don't believe we've met," he said, turning away with an exaggerated sigh.
Ember, the wolf, howled at Weston, as if scolding him for avoiding Tallia.
"Why are you taking her side? And where did you even come from?" Weston protested.
"I ran into him while I was looking for you," Tallia said, grinning.
"Urghhh.... Despite our long history, I'm always at the receiving end of your schemes," Weston thought, exasperated.
"Well, some things just don't change. Anyway, are you free now? I'd like to catch up," she suggested.
Weston paused for a moment before replying, "Yes... I am. But just for a little while."
"Is something on your mind?" Tallia wondered, concern flickering in her eyes.
"Not really... It's been a while since you visited. Let's take a walk," he suggested, his mood lifting.
"Great!" Tallia exclaimed, her excitement palpable.
In the distance, Bethuel caught sight of Tallia and Weston, his gaze lingering on the two friends as they began their walk together.
"So... Have you learned any new spells?" Weston asked, genuine curiosity lighting his face.
"Uh, is that really the first topic you want to discuss?" she thought, a hint of hesitation in her voice.
"Of course! I mean, it's not every day you meet someone with miracles. Plus, I never get to see those gladiator battles firsthand," he said, grinning.
"Alright... I'll show you my latest spell," Tallia agreed, her resolve strengthening.
Yet, as they walked side by side, the playful atmosphere couldn't fully mask the weight in her chest. There was something she had come here to say.
She glanced at Weston, his expression bright with curiosity, completely unaware of the unspoken words lingering on her tongue.
"Not yet," she thought, clenching her fingers. "But soon... I have to talk to him about our promise."
The autumn breeze whispered through the trees, carrying the echoes of memories long past. The promise they once made... and the truth she could no longer keep buried.
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