skillesswriter

[skillesswriter]

Chapter 48 - I’ll be here

“You want to stop adventuring?” Aurelia asked, responding to Ravina’s words while they were in the large, open sitting room of Ravenshield Manor. This room faced the garden and offered a breathtaking view of the carefully manicured landscape. “Just for a while. Things are about to get busy for me, and…” Ravina’s words trailed off into a void as she reread the note in her hand. “It’s not what…

[skillesswriter]

Chapter 47 - A Warm Cup of Tea

Warmed by the cup of tea that Seit had brought her, Ravina enjoyed the view of the setting sun from her window, comfortably seated on the couch. There was a healing power in the cup that she greatly appreciated at that moment. “Are you sure everything is alright, my lady?” Seit stood beside Ravina, a soft frown on her face. She bit her lower lip as she watched the girl holding the tea, not…

[skillesswriter]

Chapter 46 - A little difficult to breathe

“Nothing happened,” Ravina complained as the two of them returned to the adventuring guild. They had had a very, very boring day in the woods. Sure in the beginning it was a beautiful walk through the forest. Occasionally they would stop to pluck its bounty into the leather pouch Ravina had in her hands but after some time it became a little to… mundane. Nothing attacked them. Ravina was able to…

[skillesswriter]

Chapter 45 - One of us is having fun

The sun’s light was cut by the large towering trees, its muted rays dancing on the forest floor to the tune of the swaying branches. The air was filled with the scent of wildflowers, pine, and rich earth. A gentle breeze rustled through the leaves, carrying with it the distant sounds of the city, all of which faded away as the two women ventured further into the forest. The temperate weather…

[skillesswriter]

Chapter 44 - How to get your bearings and get paid for it

“Done,” Patricia declared, flourishing the quill before setting the completed form on the counter and spinning it around for Ravina. She offered the writing tool to the girl, adding, “All that’s left is for you to sign it.” Taking the pen Ravina did as she suggested. With a failed R she pushed forth a squiggly line. Sighing, she resignedly accepted this as her signature. The questions and…

[skillesswriter]

Chapter 43 - Writing

Ravina walked back up to the counter and was first noticed by Patricia. “Finished so soon? Lia, you were quite accurate; she indeed possesses a keen intellect.” The woman’s comment only served to cause Ravina to lower her head as a tint of red spread across her face. “See, what did I tell you? The little thing’s a genius,” Aurelia smiled brightly at Ravina, only just now noticing her forlorn…

[skillesswriter]

Chapter 42 - Guilded Cage

“There it is!~” Ravina sang into the air as she spied the Adventurer’s guild. The building, a truncated two-story structure, occupied a prominent spot in the bustling town square. Squashed between a decaying herb house and a smoldering smithery, the guild house stood out strongly with these dark and depressing places. Curiously, it was the herb house that seemed to attract the most foot…

[skillesswriter]

Chapter 41 - Already Dressed

Despite her reservations, Aurelia found that she had agreed to the insane request. “Of course, we can’t let anyone know that the esteemed count’s daughter would lower herself to the status of a simple mercenary. So, our cover will be that we’re going to the library to study! Our ‘studies,’ however, won’t be confined just to the library. Clever, right?” The glee in Ravina’s eye could have been…

[skillesswriter]

Chapter 40 - Tea and Trust

Siet returned, pushing a cart assisted by several older maids. The foremost among them exuded an air of authority. Around twenty years of age she had a fine gold wedding ring encrusted with a beautiful blue gem on her slender hand. Her vibrant blond hair was elegantly styled into dual buns, from which cascaded four slender braids. A measured, professional smile graced her fine square face as she…

[skillesswriter]

Chapter 39 - A Child Guard

Stripped of the custom-fit armor she had worn during the tournament, the brilliant blue hair of Ravina’s favorite warrior flowed behind her as she introduced herself with a graceful bow, “My name is Aurelia… Walküre.” Aurelia stood in front of Ravina in the fittings of a lesser knight of Ravenshield. A dark dress, reminiscent of Eylisa’s own uniform, devoid of any flair. Its color made both her…

[skillesswriter]

Chapter 38 - Breakfast, Key, and History

Despite Seit’s concerns, breakfast proceeded without incident. Lord Ravenshield was absent, leaving Ravina to dine by herself. The butler must have felt bad for her because he stayed by her side as she ate, despite having tasks to attend to. He offered her lessons in manners and etiquette, assuring her that a proper instructor would soon be available. Ravina however couldn’t care less about the…

[skillesswriter]

Chapter 37 - New Room

Ravina woke up the next morning and furrowed her brow at the large ornate window in her view. The open curtains allowed the light of the new day to stream into her room but as she sat up on the large bed she was momentarily lost as she looked around her. The massive room could fit two of the homes the young Ravina grew up in. There was a grand seating area in the middle, a couch, table and…

[skillesswriter]

Chapter 36 | In the Purple Room

The Purple Room of Blackwing Castle was simpler then the Red Room, however it carried an undeniable gravitas that belied its modest design. Every element of this room was a tribute to the emblem of House Ravenshield. The purple wallpaper was graced with meticulously arranged black crosses, a harmonious blend of elegance and power. The floor was a polished obsidian wood that shimmered with hints…

[skillesswriter]

8 - 17 | Tea

Mr. Caloclees was handling the bandit issue, while Kayle and the manor’s caretaker were managing the search for Sheila. Now, all that remained for Ravina was to meet Young Lady Red and prepare for her father’s arrival. The latter could be left to the servants, who had already refreshed the Master Bedroom to perfection. That just left Ravina’s meeting at the Pasion Tea House. The three-story shop…

[skillesswriter]

8 - 16 | Squirm

Sheila had yet to be found. She had disappeared somewhere in the Red Line District. However, Kayle Carthwrite now sat before Ravina, nervously shifting in his chair as the young girl fixed him with a determined purple stare. He didn’t dare speak first. After all, the mood and the manner in which he had been summoned here had been rather… forceful. Finally, Ravina granted him some reprieve by…

[skillesswriter]

Chapter 15 - Letter

Then, the day Ravina dreaded had finally arrived. She had received a response from the letter she sent to the count. Alone in her room, seated on the couch with a warm cup of tea steaming on the table, she held the black envelope in her hands. The red wax seal, pressed with the image of a raven, was still intact. She hadn’t found the courage to open it yet. Ravina hadn’t been entirely honest…

[skillesswriter]

8 - 15 | Letter

Then, the day Ravina dreaded had finally arrived. She had received a response from the letter she sent to the count. Alone in her room, seated on the couch with a warm cup of tea steaming on the table, she held the black envelope in her hands. The red wax seal, pressed with the image of a raven, was still intact. She hadn’t found the courage to open it yet. Ravina hadn’t been entirely honest…