1214-04-06
Liliko:
It's been awhile since we arrived. I haven't made much progress on my plan. Itsu's frustration with me grows daily, her sharp remarks cutting deeper each time. But I want to take things slow, to understand Adrian Kundra better. Rushing in won't work, not with someone like him.
Adrian… he's not what I expected. His kindness feels genuine. It's almost disarming. It lingers in my thoughts more often than I'd like to admit. It makes the plan harder to focus on.
Sunday service is a quiet affair. Held in a simple tent near the heart of the camp. It's my first time attending. The sermon centers around the Lion. A symbol of strength and hope for Ahk. I listen, curious, as Adrian speaks to the gathered crowd. He has a way with words. His voice calm yet commanding.
The service ends. The crowd begins to disperse. I linger by the tent, the echoes of Adrian's sermon still swirling in my mind. His words about the Lion were powerful.
As Adrian steps outside, I decide to ask. "The Lion," I begin, hesitating. "What exactly is it? You spoke about it as if it's… more than a symbol."
Adrian stops, his expression thoughtful. "The Lion is an ancient belief," he explains. "It's a being, one that represents order, justice, and strength. There's an old folklore that the Lion stands opposed to the Dragons.A balance between chaos and control. Many people believe it to be true."
I tilt my head. "And what do you believe?"
He smiles faintly. "I believe in the Lion. It's an idea worth holding onto. It gives people hope, and that's enough."
We walk away from the tent together, the distant hum of conversation filling the quiet between us. Adrian breaks it after a moment.
"Why haven't you joined us before?"
I shrug, keeping my gaze ahead.
His brow furrows, but he doesn't press the point. Instead, his eyes flick to my hair. "And your hair?"
"It's naturally blonde," I admit, brushing a strand behind my ear. "I dyed it black when I lived in Tobe and Wara. It helped me blend in better."
"Blend in?"
"It's a long story," I say quickly.
Adrian doesn't push. His steps slowed as we near the edge of the camp.
"For what it's worth," he says, "I know you'd be accepted here."
His words catch me off guard.
Adrian catches my gaze and approaches with a warm smile.
"Are you settled in well?" he asks, his tone as kind as ever.
I nod. "Better than I expected."
"I was wondering… would you join me for dinner next Sunday night?"
The offer takes me by surprise. "Next Sunday?" I echo. "Why not tonight?"
Adrian chuckles softly. "I'll be watching over Kima."
I can sense the weight of his responsibilities in his voice.
"We all have a part to play." he smiled.
I hesitate, then offer a small smile. "Next Sunday, then."
Adrian's smile returns, lighting up his face. "Great. I'll look forward to it."
I can't respond. He nods to me, his expression sincere, before heading off to another group.
I came here with a plan, but Adrian Kundra is making me question everything.
I make my way back to my tent. The cool evening air clings to my skin. It carries the lingering murmurs of the service. The camp is alive with quiet activity. Small groups huddling around fires, exchanging stories, and sharing meals.
I step inside. Itsu sits cross-legged near the center. She sharpened a small blade slowly. She doesn't look up.
"You're late."
"I stayed back to talk," I said.
"You've been here for a month, and I haven't seen a single step forward. What exactly are you waiting for?"
"You can't rush trust." I reply, trying to keep calm.
Itsu scoffs, standing abruptly. "Trust? You think these people trust you? They don't even know you. You're just another stranger in their camp."
"That's not true," I counter. "Adrian trusts me."
Itsu freezes at the name. Her expression shifted into something unreadable. "Adrian?"
"Yes," I say, lifting my chin. "We talked after the service. He invited me to dinner next Sunday."
"Dinner?"
"Yes, dinner." I cross my arms. "If Adrian trusts me enough to share a meal and talk, then I'm doing something right. This is how you gain ground—with patience, not force."
For a moment, Itsu says nothing.
"Dinner with Adrian Kundra. Huh."
"What?" I ask, narrowing my eyes.
"Nothing," he says, turning back to his blade, though the smirk remains.
"It's just… amusing. You've always had a knack for getting close to the important ones."
" I'm making progress, even if you can't see it."
Itsu gives a noncommittal grunt, but I catch the glint of approval in her gaze.
I settle onto my cot, trying to shake off the tension. Itsu might doubt me, but I know I'm on the right path.
Whatever that might mean.
The sun dips lower. It casts a soft glow over the camp. I linger outside the tent. Leaning against the wooden frame. The distant low murmurs of people settling in for the night make everything feel quieter.
It's almost peaceful here. Almost.
The rhythmic clip-clop of hooves draws my attention. Slowly, The sounds grow louder. I glance toward the entrance. A group of riders approaches. Their horses steady, kicking up dust from the dry ground. They seem to be returning from patrol. Their armor shining faintly in the fading light.
I caught a glimpse of Adrian among the riders. As they leave the camp, he's one of the leaders, followed by a few hundred men on foot. His golden eyes scan the horizon, and even from a distance, his figure stands out. His armor is polished but worn.
I can't help but notice how different he looks from other men I've known. There's no hesitation. There's no hint of cowardice in the way he holds himself. Other kings would hide behind their walls. But Adrian? He stands right in the middle of it all. It's almost… captivating.
I shift my gaze to his face. I think about the way he's always around. Always watching over people. Taking on burdens. His bravery isn't something that can be faked.
I can't look at him like that. Not when he's done nothing but be kind. Nothing but show me something I've never seen before. I shake my head. Forcing the dark thoughts away. There's a mission to complete.
There's a plan, and I can't lose sight of that. But as Adrian and his men ride past, his gaze briefly meets mine. He doesn't say anything but there's something in the way his eyes linger on me. It makes my heart beat a little faster.
I wonder if maybe I'm not the one playing the game at all. Maybe it's Adrian. Maybe I'm already tangled in his web.