Daniel, my wing man—or wing woman in this case salutes me, after our final flight. So many years of flying… I thought I’d never retire but here we are.
Daniel: It's not gonna be the same without you here
Julia: Don’t go all soft on me now!
Daniel: *chuckles* Come on, your retirement party’s probably already started without you. Let’s get there before they finish off all the pizza!
She gestures and I follow her to the back of the big hangar. A big pink sign above the table with Pizza saying “Happy retirement Julia Moore” catches my eye as soon as I walk inside.
Julia: Wow, Everything is so… pink. Is that tissue paper pink as well?
Daniel looked at me smugly
Daniel: Do you like it? I told them to do that
I furrow my brows in confusion
Julia: Why?
Daniel: You told me you love strawberries that one time! Man don’t tell me you don’t like this, I spent hours on it
That’s a pretty big leap in logic, but whatever. I put on my best fake smile and give her a thumbs up
Julia: Don’t worry I love it. Good job
All of a sudden our CO appears in front of me.
CO: Good you finally made it. I thought you were so sick of this pce that you even skipped on your own retirement party.
Both Daniel and I salute. He chuckles grabbing my hand and shaking it
Julia: No, no, Daniel here was just taking her sweet time
CO: No need for formalities. It's your st day here, mingle and enjoy
And that's what I do for the rest of the day. Mingling with the other pilots and ground staff. When the sun finally sets everyone starts leaving, Daniel accompanies me to my car
Daniel: You know, now that you are free for a few months you can babysit my kids
Julia: Your walls would probably need a fresh coat of pain then
Her kids are way too hyperactive. They destroyed their living room walls the st time I baby sat them, Daniel’s sitter bailed out at the st moment.
Daniel: *Yawn* Sorry… Kids kept me awake st night
I give her a soft smile
Julia: Hmm… Well I’ll let you grab some shut-eye then… Goodbye, Daniel
After exchanging our farewells I start driving home. Grabbing some take out on the way I continue my ride home. As I pull into the driveway I feel an ache in my chest
Julia: Ahh…
The pain grows worse by the second. Fuck! Is this a heart attack? I reach for my phone, but before I can grab it everything goes bck
-----------------------------------------
A dark purple carriage lined with a thin strip of gold moves down an unpaved path, a complex symbol drawn in gold paint is at the center of its door. Four armoured guards mounted on horses, armed with spears escort the carriage. They move carefully as the recent rain had made the ground wet.
The guard in the front raises his fist signalling the carriage and the two rear guards to stop
???: Ugh! Why have we stopped again?
The coachman sensed the dy growing agitated again. Getting stuck in the mud yesterday had already deyed them more than she’d like
Before the coachman could reply the one of the guards replied to her.
Guard 1: A human lies on the road, my dy.
The second vanguard dismounted to check on the human. Taking in his surroundings before checking her pulse. All the four guards, even the two in the back could smell it. The human smelled… exotic. The second guard focused in on the unconscious woman’s pulse, while the rest used their super senses to scan the vicinity for any signs of ambush. Stopping during such troubled times could be deadly
Guard 2: She’s alive
He put his sphere on his back and grabbed the woman by her arm to drag her out of their way. The scent of her blood was intoxicating to him. He had never smelled something so… exotic, so different. Perhaps if he was alone he would grab a taste but with the dy here they can’t dey afford any more deys
???: By the–
The dy in the carriage opened the door, her patience quickly running out. Though her words were cut off by the sudden waft of the exotic smell… the woman’s blood smelled so… different. Any anger she now held was gone, repced by curiosity. She stepped down from the carriage
Her eyes were drawn to the source of the smell. A female human in clothes she had never seen before getting dragged to the side of the road by her guard. The nervous guard immediately let go of the human’s arm and bowed
Guard 2: Apologies my dy. We will be on our way soon
The dy walked closer to human, not caring if her beautiful grey gown got dirty. She slowly walked across to the human, her shoes stick in the mud with every step, but she carries on.
???: Do you smell that?
The earthy smell of the soil or even the surrounding forest couldn’t hide the human’s scent
Guard 2: if you are referring to the human then yes my dy
She leaned down and breathed in again. The scent was too strong. Something primal in her demanded a taste of human’s blood, the source of that unique scent. It is unlike any other blood she has smelled before. However, she was a noble dy, she won’t give in to her baser instincts just for some blood. Her curiosity though wants to find out more, what was the reason for the human’s unique scent.
She bends down and easily picks up the human in her arms, carrying her towards her carriage. Now even the upper portions of her dress were stained with mud. She didn’t mind though, she only ever wore these dresses a single time. A noble of her standing couldn’t be seen wearing the same formal outfit twice. The guards and coachman were shocked at this sight nonetheless, their dy was never known for her kindness
Guard 2: My dy–
She turned her head sharply, her piercing gaze locking onto the guard.
???: What!
The guard gulped before continuing. He felt small, like an insect trying to avoid getting smashed by a beast
Guard: S-she might be d-dangerous
???: I pay you to obey, not to question my choices
The dy’s voice was calm but commanding. He bowed his head in shame
Guard: Yes my dy
???: Open the door
The guard quickly went to her side and held the door open for the noble woman as she set down the human in the seat opposite to her. They continued on their journey after the brief interruption.
The dy watched the sleeping human curiously, trying to figure out what made her so different. She hated getting her hands dirty but still checked her for any documents or seals, her efforts bore no fruit, she suspected bandits might have stripped her of them.
???: What are you
--------------------------------------
It takes almost half a day for the dy to get back to her mansion. It was almost midnight when she arrived to her residence. The maids and butlers soon came out when they heard the sound of the horses. The butlers carried her luggage while the maids stood there watching in shock as she carried a girl covered in dirt.
Maid: My dy, is everything alright!? Shall I call a healer?
???: *sigh* The girl is fine, just a bit… untidy and drowsy
Maid: As you say my dy.
The maids and butlers were all human, they didn’t have super senses to know if the girl their mistress carried was even alive, nor did they know what made her so important to their mistress.
???: Will you summon Aurel for me?
The maid nods and rushes towards Aurel’s room. Aurel Vryss was the second child of a Baron. Not being a firstborn meant she had no hope of inheriting her father’s estate so she tried to be a knight, but her father thought she could gain much more influence if she worked under a powerful noble so he sent her here. Aurel was the dy’s trusted advisor as well as bodyguard.
Aurel: Who–
The muscur woman said when she saw the dirty human but stopped when the strong scent of her blood hit her nostrils. It was neither unpleasant nor pleasant, it was extremely unique however
Aurel: How unusual…
Aurel looked deeply at the unconscious girl, she tried to look for clues to expin what she was smelling
???: You can investigate her all you want but before that
She gestures to a maid
???: Carry her to the chamber adjacent to mine
Maid: Shall I wash her first?
???: Yes
She looks back towards Aurel as 2 maids come taking the girl off her hands and carry her towards the bath.
???: Aurel, the Duke has refused our request.
The usual stoic expression on the noble woman’s face changed to that of worry. Aurel gulped when she heard her words. The situation was very distressing for the both of them
-------------------
I open my eyes, everything was a blur. I rub my eyes and slowly things became clear. The moment I try to get up from the bed I get this splitting headache.
Julia: Fuck!
I look up at the strange ceiling
Julia: …
Weird… Is this some kind of old themed hospital?
I look around again, taking in my surroundings. Ok, this definitely is not a hospital! I don’t see any machines or syringes. I try to figure out, to remember how I ended up here, but I come up with nothing. All I can remember is getting chest pains and then… waking up here
After going through some possibilities find 2 most probable expnations of my situations
This is the very first lucid dream of my life!!! I got kidnapped by some rich folks and should get out of here as soon as possibleEven though option A was much more likely I still shouldn’t risk it. Someone had changed my clothes, my hair felt damp as well. I sit up and look around for my shoes or some slippers.
Julia: Ugh. Why are the lights so dim
I mumble to myself and look at the small chandelier hanging from the ceiling. After a closer look I realize that those aren't LEDs, those are real fucking candles! Whoever lives here seems to like getting the authentic medieval experience
I stand up and try to find a light switch, but there was none. The moonlight helped brighten up the room a bit but it's nearly not enough. I take a look outside through the window, there was forest as far as my eye could see.
Julia: Fuck this pce
I give up on finding some footwear and open the door as quietly as I can. My eyes go wide looking at the long hallway. The hallway is as dimly lit as the room I was in, lots of old paintings line the walls of the hallway. Every piece of furniture here looks more expensive than my house.
I walk along the hallway passing door after door looking for an exit. My hushed footsteps still felt like a hammer striking metal in the silence of the mansion. I saw a small set of stairs in the end of the hallway, I stepped even more carefully now that an exit was in sight.
???: No!
Suddenly I hear a voice come from a room on my right.
Ok, let's think about this… Going into that forest with no tools or communication device is very risky… but staying here might be more dangerous. I need more information, getting out of this pce won’t be easy if they have security measures setup
Deciding it's best to gather more information I press my ear up to the door
???: But my dy we have to retreat from— Wait, someone is listening to our conversation
Julia: Shit!
Before I could run away the door opens. How the hell can someone move so quickly!? I didn’t even hear footsteps! Since I don’t have a weapon I would have to rely on my hand-to-hand combat training. I get into my fighting stance as the door swings open
A beautiful slender blonde wearing a gown opens the door. Even though she looks non-threatening I keep my fists up. My eyes quickly go to the woman behind her, a muscur dark skinned woman with a bde in her hand, that woman definitely feels more like a threat.
???: *Sigh* I save you from certain death and this is the gratitude I receive?
Julia: What?
???: Aurel we will take a break for a few minutes
So the other woman’s name is Aurel
Aurel: Yes my dy
The muscur woman bows slightly
???: Human follow me
Huh? Human? Whoever this weird girl is she seems to be the very important person in this pce. I deliberate whether to follow her or take this chance and run away while I still can
???: Human! Do not test my patience—follow me at once!
I look at her up and down, there’s no way those arms can throw punches. I finally decide to do as she says not feeling much threatened by her. If she was actually dangerous she would have ordered that muscur woman to kill or subdue me by now
I follow her through the quiet hallways, our footsteps seemed to be the only sound in this old mansion. She finally takes me back to the room I initially woke up in. She stands near the window, the moonlight casting a soft glow on her face. Did she rehearse this or something? Whatever the case might be she looks incredibly beautiful right now
???: Tell me, human, what is it that makes you so... unique?
Her expression remains neutral but her tone seems curious
Julia: Well I was the first one in my family to get my bachelor’s degree and join the Air Force
The girl raises her eyebrow, giving me a curious look
???: I did not mean that… What's a… never mind
Julia: Well now your turn! Who are you, and where have you brought me!?
She steps closer, moving away from the window. The moonlight fades from her figure, repced by the orange glow of the chandelier’s dim candles. Her beautiful green eyes lock onto mine and with a frown on her face she replies
???: I am Countess Cressida Cowper, mistress of these nds—and your savior. I shall overlook your ill-mannered behavior this once, but you will address me properly from now on. You are at my primary residence, The Cowper Estate.
Countess? Really? Why are all beautiful women I end up meeting either toxic or crazy. Well she is the first crazy woman I’ve met to be fair. Also, her British accent is really good.
Julia: Lady… Are you ok?
Cressida: What exactly are you trying to say?
I gulp. Nervousness building up in my belly. Did someone put me in a mental institute? No, that can’t be right since the windows don’t have bars
Julia: N-nothing… Am I still in Washington?
She furrows her brows
Julia: Hell am I still in America?
Cressida: What is that? You speak of strange pces… Maybe that's what makes you unique, your pce of origin. Is that some small isnd?
I can’t do this. I take a deep breath in to calm myself and think about my next course of action, I need to get back home. Mom must be worried sick, but Cressida interrupts my train of thought
Cressida: If you are done with your breathing exercise I have something to ask you
Julia: Yes?
Cressida: May I have a taste?
Julia: huh? Oh…
I blink feeling the blood rushing to my face. Even if this woman is crazy she is incredibly beautiful… in fact the most beautiful I have ever seen, I can’t deny her… besides just one kiss won’t hurt right?
Julia: Very forward of you… but sure
Both of us step closer to each other. When our faces are just mere inches apart she puts a hand on my back pulling me flush against her body with force that surprises me. Her grip is too strong to fight against, too commanding. I close my eyes expecting her to take the lead. A small voice in the back of my head is telling me that this is a bad idea but it's just been so long since I have been kissed that I can't resist. My heart starts racing in anticipation making my blush even deeper. I put my hand on her slim hips, unlike her my grip is soft gentle
All of a sudden I feel I sharp pain on my neck.
Julia: AHHH!
I open my eyes, and out of the corner of my vision, I see her mouth on my neck. Before I can push her away, I feel all the energy in my body start to drain. My legs give out, but instead of falling to the ground, her unusually strong arms catch me, holding me up as my vision fades to bck.
--------------
Julia: *gasp*
I wake up feeling hot and breathless. Man that was a weird dream. I look around and slowly realize I am still in the same room from the dream
Julia: What the–
The door opens and the beautiful blonde from dream walks in. She was wearing a light purple dress, honestly she was rocking the whole outfit
Cressida: Ah, good. You’re finally awake.
A maid walks in behind her and carrying some clothes
I immediately jump away from her. She has a sad look on her face just for a second, or was it pity I can’t tell. She looks away seemingly examining the wall
Cressida: I... What happened st night will not happen again, I assure you. I despise admitting this, but I lost control. You have my word—it won’t happen again.
I gulp, too afraid to say anything. Seeing her strength yesterday has really scared the shit out of me. But I need more information, and I am too curious to just ignore such a big revetion
Julia: So… are you a vampire?
Cressida: What gave it away? Drinking your blood?
A sarcastic, maybe-vampire, Great! Just great!
Julia: Prove it!
The maid behind looks at me with shock like I’ve just said something ridiculous. Now I regret saying that
Cressida moves like a blur. In less than half a second she is in front of me. Ok she’s definitely not a human! She smiles smugly my eyes immediately go to her rge canine teeth. And even though this was scary as hell I didn’t want her to stop smiling, she looks like a goddess with that smile.
Cressida: Will this suffice?
I nod wordlessly, my heart is practically beating out of my chest. HOLY FUCK! An actual vampire! Ok… Julia calm down… Oh god this really is happening. Ok, first, where am I? She seems to have a British accent so… How did I even get to the UK?
Julia: Umm… Miss Cowper—
Cressida has a slight frown on her face when I say that
The maid who is standing in the back finally speaks up
Maid: Madam, you must address the Countess as ‘My Lady.’
Damn is she really a countess? I just thought she was mentally ill yesterday
Julia: Oh. Sorry… My Lady I still have some questions
Cressida’s expression goes back to usual neutral expression. She takes the dress that the maid was holding and throws it towards me.
Cressida: Put this on. You may ask your questions at breakfast.
With that she leaves. The maid although, remains in my room.
Julia: Uhh. You can leave as well
Maid: If you need help changing–
Julia: No. I can do it myself
Maid: Yes madam
I follow the maid downstairs after changing into the stuffy dress that is straight from a medieval drama. The more maids and butlers I see the more I’m sure that this girl really is a countess or at least a very rich person. Every inch of this pce is either covered by paintings or what looks like expensive furniture. The maid following me pulls a chair opposite to Cressida for me to sit. Also, why does she even need such a long table!?… you know what, I don’t even care
The maids bring an assortment of food for me and a gss of red liquid for her. I didn’t even realize how much I was starving until the smell of freshly prepared food hits me
Cressida: Eat to your heart’s content. It’s not every day I host a human guest... or any guest, for that matter.
I dig into the sausages completely forgetting I had to ask questions to her.
Cressida: I believe you had some questions for me
She says swirling the gss of… liquid in her hand
Julia: Oh yeah! Sorry I was starving… So where am I exactly
Cressida: *sigh* Again? Didn’t we settle this already? You are at my estate that is The Cowper Estate
Julia: I-I am sorry but I don’t know that. Are we in the UK?
It's the only conclusion I come to with her being a countess and everyone’s British accent.
Cressida: UK?
Julia: United Kingdom? Britain? Scotnd? Engnd? Wales? Irend?
Cressida: I've never heard of those. Are they close to the 'America' isnd you spoke of yesterday?
She sips the red liquid from the wine gss
I let out an exasperated sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose. What the hell is happening?
Cressida: Tell me, does everyone from your isnd carry blood as exquisite as yours?
Julia: Huh? I don’t know? We don’t drink blood
Cressida: Hmm
Julia: In fact I didn’t even know vampires existed before meeting you
Cressida: Wait, really? What about other species—elves, perhaps? Did you have them? Or demi-humans?
Julia: Wait those are real too?
Cressida: Of course! One is standing right behind you
I look back to see an elf maid. She gave me a small smile when I look at her. My eyes instantly went to check her ears, they were long and pointy just like in fantasy novels. I look at her for a good minute before Cressida’s voice pulls me back
Cressida: An isoted isnd of only humans, with no vampires, elves, or demi-humans? I find your pce of birth quite fascinating.
Julia: Same here…
After a moment of silence she speaks again
Cressida: How about you accompany me to my library after breakfast and point out the nd of your birth on a map?
Julia: Um Sure…..
I have my doubts but it's not like anything more can go wrong
--------------------------------
I follow Cressida through the mansion, we pass door after door before finally reaching the end of the hallway. God-damn this is a sweet pce to live. I wish I had a mansion as well. We stop in front of a rge double door, I stand a step behind her as she opens the door.
A rge collection of old books and towering shelves greeted us, bathed in the soft glow of sunlight streaming through tall windows. The air was thick with the smell of old books and wood. As the heavy doors swung open, an elderly man with neatly combed white hair stood near a shelf, his posture straight and his eyes sharp. He was definitely the librarian.
Old Librarian: My dy, there was no need for you to come here. I could have brought anything you required to your study
Cressida: It's quite alright I just wanted to show our new guest the library
The old man sizes me up and then looks back at Cressida
Old Librarian: Oh, is that so? Shall I show her around the library, or would you prefer I fetch the texts you require?
Cressida: That will not be required. I need to have a private conversation with her
Old Librarian: Not a problem, please call me if you need anything
She turns right starts walking to the far right end of the library. I look around, and this pce is absolutely huge! Bigger than my house in fact! Although it's still smaller than the library in my university. This one is just a single floor while the one in my Uni had multiple. After passing a couple of shelves of books we reach the right wall of the library which seems to be full of scrolls and rolls of paper.
Cressida grabs one of these rolls and walks to a table at the end of the library. There is already someone seated at the table there, looking at what looks like a map. The person looks up when we get closer, and I realize it the muscur girl Cressida was with st night. I tense up subconsciously. If Cressida is this strong then this woman must be even stronger. She stands up and gives Cressida a small bow.
Aurel: My dy
She then looks towards me, her expression turning into a frown
Aurel: Human
Cressida: Aurel, please. Rex, and call her by her name…
Cressida pauses, halfway through unrolling the paper in her hands, her eyes flickering toward me.
Cressida: Wait... I just realized—I never asked for your name.
Julia: It's Julia Moore… my dy?
‘My dy’ huh? Well, it does suit her—she’s practically dripping with elegance and smug superiority.
Cressida: Well, would you look at that. The uncultured human is starting to learn some manners.
Ugh! I want to punch her so bad but I also don’t want to ruin that perfect face of hers. Not to mention with her being a vampire she can literally tear me to pieces
Cressida: Now, human, tell me—where exactly is this ‘America’ you speak of? Wait... you have seen a world map before, haven’t you?
Julia: Of course I have! I am an Air Force Pilot
Cressida: Is that suppose to mean something?
Julia: Ugh, forget it
Aurel: Human–
Aurel raises her voice but stops when Cressida raises a palm gesturing her to stop. She steps closer to me her cool hand brushes mine and her lips come closer to my ear giving me chills. In a whisper quite enough for only me to hear she says
Cressida: You’re lucky your blood tastes so... exquisite. But that won’t be enough to save you if you continue speaking in such an... unpleasant tone
She steps back, and her voice goes back to normal
Cressida: Do you understand, Julia?
I gulp and nod slightly, my hands were shaking and my heart racing. Every cell in my body wanted to run away at that moment. My voice cracks when I reply
Julia: Yes my dy
Cressida: Wonderful! Now…
She gestures towards the map and steps to the side. Stepping closer to the table I focus on the map in front of me. The edges of the paper have small tears and have darkened but the map itself is in good condition. I study the map carefully from corner to corner but the more I look at it the more it leaves me confused
(Note: Please try to open the image in a new tab if it's not clear while zooming)
I gulp again before speaking up
Julia: This—My dy I don’t think this map is correct
Cressida: Do you hear that, Aurel? The most accurate and detailed map, used by most nations and their militaries, is wrong!
Cressida frowns looking menacingly at me, her words filled with sarcasm. She probably thinks I’m lying or avoiding the question
Julia: I can draw the one I remember for you
She folds her arms and has a curious glint in her eyes
Cressida: I’m curious, what kind of map do you backwater people rely on? Aurel, fetch me some paper and a quill
Aurel does as she says. The moment Aurel handed me an actual fucking quill and small inkwell, doubts that had been lingering in my mind began to solidify. I... I might be in a different world
I take the quill and don't know what to do with it. How do you write with a quill? Do I just dip it how much ever I want? The confused look on my face made Cressida huff.
Cressida: I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. A human from a backwater isnd probably wouldn’t know how to use a quill.
Her tone was condescending. I was tired from all this. Her attitude, this… new pce was taking the life out of me.
Julia: I wish I had a pen
I mumble under my breath and suddenly I hear something from the table, a cheap pstic ball pen rolls towards me. Before I can even blink Cressida moves away from me at superhuman speed as Aurel suddenly appears in front of me putting a bde to my throat
Aurel: A magician! I knew not to trust you the moment I smelled that blood of yours
Julia: WAIT! I am not a magician!
I shout as my breathing goes rapid and sweat starts to form on my skin
Aurel: Lies! We both saw you summon that weapon
I could feel my eyes get more watery as her voice gets even louder, she presses the cool bde even harder against my neck. I don’t want to die! Especially now that I just retired from the military
Julia: PLEASE! That is a pen! Something my people use for writing! Please… *sob*...stop
Tears escape my eyes and start dripping down my face. Cressida walks over to the table and grabs the pen, she uses it to scribble something on the bnk sheet of yellowish paper Aurel handed me earlier
Maid: My La—
A maid comes running towards us stopping midway when she sees Aurel and me. Cressida gestures for the maid to stop, focusing her gaze back on me.
Cressida: The human seems to be telling the truth
Aurel: We should kill–
Cressida: Wait
She says in a calm yet commanding voice. Her green eyes look into mine, they are so deep that I can get lost in them. Weird. I feel weird
Cressida: What is your name?
She asks, the air gets heavy. I feel something pressurizing me to answer her, truthfully. The longer I don’t answer her the more unease I feel
Julia: Julia Moore
Cressida: What is your real name? The one given to you at birth
Julia: Julia Moore
I answer truthfully again
Cressida: Hmm. Are you here to assassinate anyone?
Julia: No
Cressida: Are you here to spy on anyone?
Julia: No
Cressida: Are you from the Luxaria Theocracy or its allies?
Julia: No
Cressida: Intriguing… Tell me, do you hate vampires?
Julia: No
Cressida: Hmm
She puts her hand in her chin and thinks for a moment
Cressida: Lower your weapon Aurel
Aurel: My dy! She could be dangerous
Aurel says as she tenses up. Her bde never moves even by a millimeter
Cressida: I just used persuasion on her. The human speaks nothing but the truth
I have a feeling of what this persuasion thing is. It's just like in those novels where vampires can compel people to do their bidding
Aurel: What if this is a trick by the theocracy? Maybe they have developed a way to protect themselves of persuasion
Cressida: Unlikely but let's say what you are saying is true and look at this logically. If she were here to kill me she would have done so st night, when we were alone. If she were a spy she wouldn’t have used magic so carelessly… unless she is a very incompetent spy
Aurel: We should still bind her for questioning
Aurel says she lowers her bde
Cressida: Oh, I hardly think that will be required.…
She looks into my eyes again, but not using that persuasion thing again
Cressida: Will it?
Julia: NO!
I shake my head furiously. I hate to think what kind of dark dungeon they will put me in. Her lips curl into a subtle smug smirk seeing my reaction.
Cressida: One more thing…
She looks deeper into my eyes and I feel the air get heavy again. There is that weird feeling in my stomach once more
Cressida: When you cimed not to know vampires existed until meeting me, were you being truthful?
Julia: YES!
I don’t know why I shouted but it doesn’t seem to mind her
Cressida: You grow ever more fascinating, Miss Moore.
Cressida turns towards the maid
Cressida: Now what is the matter?
Maid: My dy, a messenger has arrived with an urgent letter addressed to you
Cressida: Let me see…
The maid hands her the letter, she opens the envelope reading the letter. As she reads it her expression remains neutral however I see a hint of worry… or anger on her face.
Cressida: Of course, just what I needed today. Aurel, follow me.
Aurel: Yes my dy
Cressida: You
She points towards me
Cressida: Are free to explore my manor as you wish, but you will not leave the grounds without my permission.
I nod, my heart was still racing
Julia: Yes… my dy
I will have to get used to saying that for a while. She turns towards her maid
Cressida: Make sure she doesn’t leave the grounds. Accompany her and ensure you have guards with you as well.
She then walks away without giving me a second look, unlike Aurel, who looks at me with suspicion before leaving. A while ter 2 guards enter the room. The maid and the guards carrying spears stand silently some distance away
Julia: *sigh*
I look for the pen that led to all that debacle but it's gone. Cressida probably took it. My eyes go to that map again, focusing on 2 small words that stand out
(Note: Please try to open the image in a new tab if it's not clear while zooming)
Julia: Cowper County…
Right at the border of the Theocracy Cressida mentioned and the Kingdom of Erion. It seems to be fairly big. Ugh whatever! I roll up the map and walk to the front of the library again
Julia: Here
I hand the map back to the librarian
Old Librarian: By the stars, miss you must roll the map up properly, it's probably more expensive than all the horses and carriages my dy owns
I just shrug and walk away. The maid and the 2 guards still follow me staying some distance away. It's pretty annoying.
Vampires, Countess, Elves, guards with spears and no modern technology. All of this seems to suggest only one thing, that I really am in some other world.
With nothing to do I think back to what that old librarian said “More expensive than all the horses and carriages” Hmm… Let's say a horse costs 5000. A carriage requires at least 2 horses to pull, and he said Cressida had multiple carriages… that means she has at least 2 then… 4 horses in total… and a carriage probably costs 10000………… MORE THAN 40000 FOR A MAP!? Fucking rich people! I shake my head and continue my tour of the mansion
I walk around some more until I see a huge garden of flowers through a window.
Julia: Hey can we go there?
I ask the maid pointing to the garden. The maid looks away not meeting my eyes
Maid: … Please follow me
She leads me to a huge set of double door guarded by the people who wore the same uniform as the soldiers following me around. When I finally step outside I take in the fresh air. God this pce is beautiful, I want to live in a mansion like this too! I stroll around the garden checking out all the flowers. Occasionally seeing a patrol of guards. I wonder what Cressida was worried about
