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Post by Riva Harel on Jul 1, 2014 17:38:50 GMT -6
Finally, a moment of quiet was had! While Riva certainly heard the young woman talk about her horse, she couldn’t admit to fully listening, her mind instead on what in the world she would do once she got in to town. Her family lived on the north side of Aquelia, so Riva knew she wouldn’t be going to that particular part of the city. There was nothing she needed to buy, considering most of what she truly needed was provided by the military. She didn’t partake in the drink, so she wouldn’t spend the time in a tavern of any sort. A sigh escaped the officer. And her fellow officers wondered why she didn’t enjoy taking leave?
Before Riva could retrieve her own steed, Freya had insisted on introducing Riva to her own steed, Gertrude. Seeing the familiarity in the horse’s eyes when Freya approached brought a small, unexpected smile to Riva’s lips. She had a soft spot for horses and how incredibly intelligent the beasts could be. The way Gertrude had reacted to Freya showed the two has a special bond, one which was only formed between those who had been through a lot together. As Freya entered the horse’s stall, Riva took a moment to reach our her own hand to gently stroke the horse on her snout. The horse gave an airy grunt but pushed into her hand. A friendly steed indeed.
“Give me just a moment,” Riva walked a few stalls down to where her own horse, Zuriel, was stabled. The horse gave a quick whinny when he saw his rider, raising his head and then backing away from the stall door, as if he knew Riva was here to take him out. “Good to see you too old man.” Letting her hand course over the length of his body once, Riva quickly saddled the black warhorse and led him out of the stable to where Freya awaited Riva. After mounting Zuriel and ensuring everything felt right, Riva made a click with her tongue. “Indeed it is Miss Brunhild,” Riva replied plainly. “Let’s not take them above a trot, no need to rush the horses.” The trip would be about a twenty minute ride, as they weren’t stationed too far out.
Their trip having started, Riva decided she might as well speak to the girl, otherwise it would be a long three days. Problem was, the office was bad at small-talk, so of course her conversation would relate to work. “So Miss Brunhild, how long have you been serving with the military?” She was curious as to what the answer would be, as Riva assumed it couldn’t be more than a year at most.
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Freya Brünhild
Troubadour
It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings!
Posts: 23
Profession: Cleric
Affiliation: Inquisitional Army
Affinity: Thunder
Profile: Freya
OoC Alias: Synkkis
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Post by Freya Brünhild on Jul 10, 2014 3:18:44 GMT -6
The Troubadour recognized that Riva's steed was most certainly a well disciplined war horse. The two moved with one motion as if they were practically one. She could only imagine having that much mastery riding Gertrude. It was inspiring, certainly. Trotting alongside the High Officer to her left, she grew a little warm on her commander. There was something honest and earnest about her that she couldn't put a finger on. Maybe it just shone when she was riding? She had no trouble keeping the pace with Riva's horse. "Hehe, understood, Ma'am. What is your horse's name?" she asked kind of brashly, only realizing after the fact that she may have been too prodding. Geez, she should've paid more attention before asking her commander something like that. She hoped Riva wouldn't get annoyed with her talking so much again.
However, after a little bit, Harel asked her something pretty simple, but was a guaranteed talking subject for Freya. "Oh! Well, up until now I've served as a missionary for the Church, Ma'am. I was down near Ostia for abooouuuuuut a year and a half, maybe? More than that, I think, but I had to make my way back after getting stranded in Lycia after my group got scattered by undead. I'm lucky I made it back alive, I think. No one in Elibe likes us very much for some reason..." she paused, thinking on that - surprisingly much more than the harrowing journey she actually had to go through. Strange priorities. "Hmm... but anyways, my brother wrote to me and said that the army really could use more people like me and offered that I join." Freya pulled up her heal staff from a leather loop that was stitched into the saddle that surprisingly had a good grip on it. "How could I say no?" she giggled, replacing the staff back into the loop.
The time practically flying by now, she felt brave enough to ask Riva another question. "How about yourself, Ma'am?" she inquired with a smile.
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Post by Riva Harel on Jul 11, 2014 19:53:17 GMT -6
“Zuriel,” Riva replied plainly, her answer unintentionally curt with the young woman. The officer listened carefully as the young woman described her experience, and wasn’t entirely shocked to find that this was her tour. What she described with the undead implied Freya had been through a lot, but it seemed to be but a second thought to the young woman. Riva wondered what it would be like to simply push the burdens off of her own shoulders like that.
It would be a challenge to train someone as inexperienced as Freya, but Riva had created more with much less before. At least there was devotion somewhere in Freya, so much so she would risk her life to bring the message of St. Elimine to Elibe. That devotion was entirely transferable to military life as well, and in all honesty it was what drove Riva forward on her darkest days.
“This will be my twentieth year of service,” she stated, but there was no hint of tiredness in her voice. IN fact, she sounded energized as she spoke about what now amounted to over half of her life. “I was 18 when I enlisted, and I’ve served ever since. There’s nothing quite like working with men and women willing to put their life on the line for their faith and their country.” Riva was incredibly proud of the time she had devoted to the military, especially to those lives that she had been able to shape and influence over the years.
But she knew others had their limits, and not all were made for this life. She always made this clear to new recruits, as she didn’t see any shame in not being meant for service. “This life isn’t for everyone, but for those who are able to give their all, it is the most rewarding.” A rare, sincere smile graced her lips for a moment before she looked to continue the conversation. The trip really was going faster, and the initially perturbed officer was remembering why she loved working with the troops and not huddled around maps. It had been some time since she’d been able to do so.
The girl had mentioned a brother, so Riva looked to continue that thread. “You mentioned your brother… Do you come from a large family?”
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Freya Brünhild
Troubadour
It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings!
Posts: 23
Profession: Cleric
Affiliation: Inquisitional Army
Affinity: Thunder
Profile: Freya
OoC Alias: Synkkis
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Post by Freya Brünhild on Jul 20, 2014 18:14:51 GMT -6
Freya looked on with admiration as the High Officer told her story. For her to hold such a prestigious rank at only twenty years of service, she had to have been very good at what she did. This made her look forward to working with her just to help her accomplish her goals. She seemed like a person with a good heart and that was enough to convince her she wouldn't regret being under her command. While her parents weren't in the military and she didn't have that sort of legacy to her family's name, she nonetheless felt prideful for being in the same military organization as her brother.
She didn't know all the tidbits about the military, but as long as she did what she was told and was taught how to take care of her comrades... what more could she ask for? She was very astute for praying for others and whatever happened was certainly those in the heavens. Letting out a sigh, Freya made sure Gertrude was lined up with Zuriel. The two were a little indifferent to each other for now, but that was perhaps for the best.
On mention of her brother, her ears perked up. "Oh yes! Well, not too large. I have an older sister named Hyva and an older brother named Fredrik. He's stationed up North near the Sacaen border." she smiled, her excited tone easily being made known. "So that makes me the youngest! I'd always love to have a younger brother." Freya laughed, pantomiming patting a boy on the head and then hugging him. "What about you, Ma'am?" she asked, noticing they were getting pretty close to Aquleia.
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Post by Riva Harel on Jul 28, 2014 20:30:16 GMT -6
Family... Something about that word pained her now, more than it ever had before. Freya hadn’t said it to her, but simply knowing that was what the young girl was asking her about made the officer’s rising mood dip. The word used to mean so many things to her: safety, security, trustworthy, loving among the long list. Now, though, the thought of her family brought her more pain than anything.
Still, someone so young didn’t deserve to be burdened with the troubles of someone twice as old as her, so Riva decided to give the short and sweet version of her family life. “I have four brothers and sisters, if you can believe it.” Riva gave a sad smile as she could still picture them, though young as opposed to older as they were now. “We were all close growing up; our parents had us do everything together as a family. Trips to The Tower, daily mass, shopping in the market, everything. I swear, it was like we were never apart.” A genuine chuckle escaped the officer.
Time was passing steadily now, and it seemed the two were just outside the city. The shell that had been coming down from around Riva built itself back up slowly as they grew closer to the city walls. After all, it was not only where she’d have to spend three days doing nothing military. It was a place she hadn’t visited since long before the Battle of Ostia… Since Uri…
A well-timed whinny from Zuriel brought Riva back to her senses, the ache that had been growing in her chest lifting as she spotted one of the soldiers stationed at the front. As they rode up to the gate, Riva saluted the soldier, who returned the gesture. “Ho, solider, how has the day been?”
“Quiet, ma’am, bless St. Elimine,” The man of no more than twenty-five replied. Riva gave a curt nod as the man methodically walked up between their horses. The officer pulled out her leave papers and handed them to the guard for examination, assuming Freya would do the same.
“May Her light continue to shine on your post, then,” Riva replied, smiling as the man handed the papers back and gave the two another salute. “Enjoy your leave ma’am.” As the soldier walked back to his post, the gates slowly began opening in front of them. After moving Zuriel a bit closer, Riva looked back to Freya. “Have you been to Aquelia before?”
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Freya Brünhild
Troubadour
It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings!
Posts: 23
Profession: Cleric
Affiliation: Inquisitional Army
Affinity: Thunder
Profile: Freya
OoC Alias: Synkkis
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Post by Freya Brünhild on Aug 5, 2014 21:42:02 GMT -6
Hearing about Riva's large family brought her thoughts back to home. Now that she thought about it, her family was also very close except for her older sister who just left one day. It still causes her pain in her heart just not being able to see her anymore, but she is sure that her sister is living happily wherever she is now. "Ah, I guess I'm a little jealous then... my family used to have that when we were younger. I'm the youngest, so I didn't really get as much of that as my other siblings, Ma'am."
Since Freya was with High Officer Harel, she didn't have to return a salute. She did sit more upright as a show of respect instead. Naturally she also passed off her papers and was returned them without issue. Passing through the gates, she saw the familiar sight of one of the main streets. "Yes Ma'am. A few times, but mostly passing through. How about yourself, High Officer?" she asked, following alongside the now cobblestone street.
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Post by Riva Harel on Aug 9, 2014 18:00:14 GMT -6
Riva considered how to answer Freya’s question. Of course, Aquelia was her home and her parent’s home and her... Well, there were things that she wasn’t going to be sharing with a young teenager she just met. The officer hated lying, so she did her best to simply omit parts of the truth. “The battalion used to be stationed near here a lot up until about six or seven years ago, when we were reassigned to be closer to the border to Ilia. I used to spend a lot of my leave here back in the day.”
While it may have sounded like the officer was reminiscing about “the good old days,” no smile or wistful look graced Riva’s features as their horses moved them down the city’s main road. Memories of days past washed over her as she saw all too familiar buildings all around them. Some of the faces around them might remember her, but most wouldn’t think twice or even remember much about Riva Harel, the North Quarter stable master’s estranged daughter.
Her mind beginning to wander much too far for comfort, Riva looked to the recruit. “Are you hungry, Miss Brunhild?" Riva smiled, looking forward and squinting a bit as she looked up the road. "If I remember correctly, there is a small tavern not too far from here that serves the best beef stew in all of Etruria.”
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Freya Brünhild
Troubadour
It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings!
Posts: 23
Profession: Cleric
Affiliation: Inquisitional Army
Affinity: Thunder
Profile: Freya
OoC Alias: Synkkis
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Post by Freya Brünhild on Aug 31, 2014 2:13:33 GMT -6
The fresh-faced Troubadour listened on intently as Riva told her stories of time past. This was something she didn't really get a dose of during her church duties as she was mostly with people just a little bit older than her and she had no real business speaking with her higher leaders. Onward, she could see how the Etrurian military was so mighty and it was because of people like High Officer Harel. Freya would never say it, but she figured that Riva was venting a little bit to an open ear. It was tough keeping such things kept up inside. This was sort of her allowing herself to express herself more freely? What is a long-running military career if you can't flex your experience here and there? Whether that was correct or not, that's how the young Etrurian woman perceived it. She thought, where was she six - seven years ago? She was so young then...
Giggling, Freya covered her mouth with her hand to not show her smile. "You mean The Golden Hare, Ma'am? I have to agree, yet it's been so long since I've been there. We should see if they still have the same talent for taste everyone talks about, High Officer Harel." She patted Gertrude on her neck as they trotted forward.
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Post by Riva Harel on Aug 31, 2014 23:19:40 GMT -6
Ah, that was right, the Golden Hare! The officer didn’t partake in ale unless there was no clean water around, but by St. Elimine if Riva didn’t remember how good the food there was. Some of her memory of the eats at the tavern may have been through rose-tinted lenses, but whatever the case, it would be nice to partake in a hot, home-cooked meal. Travel rations only sated the appetite for so long.
“We certainly should,” Riva concurred, leading them further down the main road before veering to the left. As soon as they turned the corner Riva could see the wooden sign hanging above the tavern two blocks down, which showed a horse rearing at a large mug of ale. The place was one of the larger taverns in Aquelia and certainly had its fair share of patrons pass through on a day-to-day basis. At least, that was how Riva remembered the place.
Riva led her horse towards the nearby hitching post, where two other horses – a jet black and buckskin – stood awaiting their riders to return. As Riva dismounted and led Zuriel to the post, she caught a glimpse of the brand on the buckskin’s left haunch, which was all too familiar to the officer. Of course, the Harel stable bred and sold horses to the military, so it was no surprise seeing the familiar stylized “H”. They were one of the larger stables in Etruria; even Zuriel bore the same mark.
After tying Zuriel to the hitching post using a simple highwayman’s hitch, Riva walked around the steed to ensure he was secured and safe. She stopped at his front, putting her hand delicately on his snout. His ears pricked forward, eyes bright and focused while pawing with his front hooves. Riva smiled, rubbing his snout briefly before stepping under the hitching post and walking towards the door to the tavern.
“Coming Miss Brunhild?” Riva called behind her to the young woman, sure that she would catch up to the officer who was opening the door to the tavern, enjoying the wave of smells and sounds that instantly washed over her. It was noon-time now, so they certainly wouldn’t have to suffer through the dinner rush, but there was still a lively enough crowd seated at the bar and scattered around the tables inside. The barmaids didn’t look harried yet, though Riva knew they would in a few hours. Ready to enter and holding the door open with one arm, Riva finally checked behind her to make sure Freya was still following.
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Freya Brünhild
Troubadour
It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings!
Posts: 23
Profession: Cleric
Affiliation: Inquisitional Army
Affinity: Thunder
Profile: Freya
OoC Alias: Synkkis
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Post by Freya Brünhild on Sept 17, 2014 21:40:55 GMT -6
Trotting through the streets, this district was primarily for through traffic and markets. The clanging of a smith's hammer echoed in the distance, as did repairs on a building's front. Here was mostly assortments of people going from shop to shop. The people here wore vibrant colors and generally seemed much happier than what she saw in Lycia. Such peace should be protected, Freya thought, as they carved their way through the loose crowd. It didn't take long to reach the well known tavern. It actually looked much nicer than she remembered from a long while back. Were all of these benefits achieved by the Prophet's work?
Tying her mare to the post, Freya was quick on High Officer Harel's heels to the well-kept lounge. Entering the establishment the two were greeted from the radiant heat of the kitchens on the opposite side of the room and the noise of the patrons. A minstrel played on a small stage in one of the corners, cracking a few jokes for only a handful of spectators.
With the Prophet coming to power, it seemed as if just about everyone was wearing an uniform of some sort. The waitress who greeted them offered the two a seat at the bar which had a few soldiers laughing and joking around, or at the many tables where the minstrel played and looked more homely. She was wearing a tan frilly and lightweight skirt, a white barmaid's blouse, and a dark green apron with the tavern's emblem stitched into it. The woman also had red hair much like Riva, but the girl was dotted with freckles and looked to be 16, though she may have been older.
Freya sort of hid behind Riva, but not out of timidness - she just wanted to be out of the way. She was actually excited to be here and wore a grin to match.
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Post by Riva Harel on Oct 20, 2014 17:15:13 GMT -6
Letting the door close behind them, Riva led Freya to the bar where the sweet looking barmaid offer them a pair of seats. A rare smile graced the officer’s lips as she looked around at all of the patrons inside. Military men and civilians alike sat around tables, clearly enjoying themselves as they laughed, ate, and drank together. Thankfully, the years appeared to have treated the establishment well, as the majority of the seats were filled, and from the atmosphere the officer wouldn’t have been surprised if it was often just as full as it was now.
After sitting, Riva leaned her left arm on the bar, right arm raised slightly as she beckoned the barmaid behind the counter over to them. “Miss, a moment?”
The response was nearly immediate; as much as Riva wished it different, her officer’s uniform garnered attention, especially in business establishments in Etruria. Service was quicker, politer, and attentive, when Riva really just wanted to blend in outside of the military. Of course, she could don civilian clothes, but to her that showed a lack of pride in her country and her position.
“Water and a bowl of stew, please,” Riva requested before looking over to Freya momentarily, “And whatever Miss Brunhild would like as well.”
“Yes ma’am,” the maid responded. Riva waited politely for Freya to order and the barmaid to walk away before looking back to the young lady. The officer folded her arms in front of her, fingers lightly drumming long the smooth bar top. “Well, I won’t lie to you Miss Brunhild, I wasn’t planning on being on leave for the next three days.” Especially with a companion, Riva thought. “Is there anything you need to do in town?”
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Freya Brünhild
Troubadour
It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings!
Posts: 23
Profession: Cleric
Affiliation: Inquisitional Army
Affinity: Thunder
Profile: Freya
OoC Alias: Synkkis
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Post by Freya Brünhild on Dec 3, 2014 23:29:24 GMT -6
Setting down on the bar seat that was a bit tall for her, she rested her forearms on the counter. There was a simple menu held by a brass rabbit in front of the two, and she took a quick look at it before she knew what she wanted. Her eyes sparkled a little as she ordered.
"Oh! Could I have the sausage and pea soup, please!? Peach tea, too!" she asked, clutching the brass rabbit in her hand.
"As long as you have the coin, darling! It'll be right up." she professionally retorted with a cheerful tone as she marked the order on a notepad and briskly walked off.
The young troubadour was eying the figure until she realized it looked far too unprofessional of an Etrurian aide! She had the rabbit hop back to its place with glee, menu and all. She then straightened her posture, listening to her commander. Thinking on what she had asked, she crossed her arms.
"Well, nothing in particular... but I would like to cook something up to keep my culinary skills sharp! I was given a bit of preemptive pay for our excursion, but I think I was given too much... He mentioned something about you climbing the walls back to the barracks and I should buy a rope for my own use, but how would I get Gertrude over!? Any way, I think the Commander wanted me to be ready for anything." she giggled, thinking about her beloved mount spreading wings like a pegasus. "There's never a shortage of things to do in town! Do you like theatre, Ma'am?" she asked, pulling her napkin towards her lap.
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Post by Riva Harel on Apr 17, 2015 11:47:39 GMT -6
Riva smiled as she listened to Freya describe her thoughts for their leave, though the entire time her mind was focused on other things. She was furious she’d been shuttled out of what she considered her home, especially while they were in Aquelia of all places. Sure, the woman was older, but it didn’t make her unrecognizable. The last thing she needed was someone realizing who she was and letting her family know she was in town. She did not have the strength for a family reunion right now.
And yet, as she focused back in on Freya, she found herself musing if her daughter was like the peppy blonde next to her, so full of joy and happiness despite the terrible things they’d both been through. Freya was a bit much for the older soldier, but she had to admit, she sometimes missed being filled with as much spunk as Freya was. Well, Riva had never been this spunky, but she did used to have a bit more fun.
Straightening the folds that had curved her jacket after they sat down, Riva considered Freya’s question. "I haven’t been to the theatre in years, Miss Brunhild, likely since..." She paused, trying to recollect the name of the play she had seen last, "...since Owl of Gold was still showing." The play was about a young pauper in Etruria who found a small figurine of an owl made out of gold, which somehow ended up in him finding true love and becoming due over the county of Angevine. The details were fuzzy, but considering the young woman beside her couldn’t have been more that thirteen when that show was still on stage, Riva realized how the answer she’d given showed her age.
The barmaid approached the two again with their requested items, setting them down in front of the two ladies. At least being in Aquelia again meant she got to have this stew. It had been so long, after all. Unfolding her own napkin and placing it on her lap, Riva placed her spoon in her stew just as she realized she hadn’t answered the young woman’s question. Sure, it wasn’t mandatory she did, but it was the polite thing to do.
“But, ah, I used to enjoy the theatre, yes,” Riva said, even though she only went with Uri when he decided the two would take leave together. “Was there a show you wanted to see while we're here, Miss Brunhild?”
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Freya Brünhild
Troubadour
It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings!
Posts: 23
Profession: Cleric
Affiliation: Inquisitional Army
Affinity: Thunder
Profile: Freya
OoC Alias: Synkkis
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Post by Freya Brünhild on Apr 20, 2015 22:06:53 GMT -6
Freya's eyes lit up as she recognized the play she spoke of right away. To the young lady, she couldn't forget such a beautiful tale of romance that was toured around everywhere about 5 years ago. Even with that long, she could picture everything so clearly especially the princess and the handsome pauper. The bronze rabbit on the bar paled in comparison to the golden Owl that was quite often reproduced as a child's toy - something she didn't personally own, but admired. "Oh, I remember that! Actually, I saw all three showings when they were in my town! It's really what got me started in theatre. Everything from there on was downhill!" she laughed giddily and exuberantly, fiddling with the bronze rabbit again in her hands. "It really is a sickness, you know? Step up on that stage and there's no going back." she reminisced to simpler days. Things were simpler back then, even if Etruria was in the early and awkward days of the Prophet claiming Etruria.
Hearing her commander offer to see a show, she knew she had to pounce! That was the most dreadful thing about being near Ostia and being in Lycia was the severe lack of shows! It was like all the spark and creativity of life was nowhere to be seen. To be honest she was really going into withdrawals. Maybe it was a sickness...
"Ab-so-lutely, Ma'am! I'd love to!" Freya exclaimed, just about on the edge of her seat. It took her a little bit to realize their food was here. Like a puppy, her eyes were instantly glued to her chow. "Wowwwh! This looks great! It smells great!" the blonde woman said with sparkling eyes then taking a bite of her stew. It looked as if it melted all the pent up energy away as she simmered down. She had a deep grin as it looked as if she were about to cry tears of happiness. "It... It is great! Thank you so much, High Officer!"
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Post by Riva Harel on Apr 22, 2015 11:15:25 GMT -6
How was Riva not surprised when the young troubadour told her she had participated in the theatre? Riva smiled as the girl’s eyes sparkled as she no doubt reminisced about all of the shows she had seen in the past. That was the kind of passion she loved to see in her men’s eyes as they spoke about serving and protecting Etruria, though it made her wonder how Freya had ended up in the military. Riva was sure, even as young as Freya was, the girl had likely seen twice as many shows as she, given her reaction to seeing Owl of Gold, that old play. Had something changed?
Their conversation halted for a moment as their food arrived, and Riva was thrilled to inhale that oh-too-familiar smell. She hadn’t eaten it in years, but there was no way you could forget the smell of the Golden Hare’s signature stew. Beef that melted in your mouth, potatoes that tasted like fluffy clouds, and the perfect mixture of carrots and celery at the perfect softness – It was like a dream come true, in a wooden bowl.
Riva couldn’t stand just staring anymore, so she took a large mouthful of stew, happily chewing the beef as she listened to Freya’s own verbal approval of the food. Riva was a creature of habit, and the fact that this place hadn’t changed in 20 years was appreciated by the red-headed high officer.
“You’re quite welcome, Miss Brunhild,” Riva said as she finished her first mouthful of stew, taking a sip of water and few more bites, enjoying the warmth building in her belly. Once she was about half finished with her bowl, she looked back to Freya.
“So what made you leave the theatre, if you don’t mind me asking?” Riva was genuinely curious, as the girl’s personality made her seem like such a good fit.
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