Underneath (ON HOLD)

𝟚

Later that evening, as the sun starts to sink, the women start setting up camp for the night. Ruby is nowhere to be seen. We are preparing a type of stew with minimal ingredients. Just consisting of water and a few herbs. Regardless, my stomach is already rumbling due to not eating for almost three days now. 

The men are nowhere to be seen, probably patrolling the borders. They are set to reach Krisn, and launch another expedition and collect supplies. I didn't see that woman again, but I make small talk with Mia and Grace as they gossip. I introduce myself as Lillith. If they knew my real name, I probably would have to murder them all, which would pose a small bump in my plan. 

Ellis seems very unapproachable for reasons I cannot fathom. Apparently they are journeying with Alex and his men to find a swordsman good enough to train their armies in the battle against Elgar. Elgar I think. I already miss everyone I had to leave behind to embark on this journey. I remember Forsyth, my master and adoptive father. He was calm and cruel, but to the few who really knew him, they would know that it's just his nature.

"And I was telling him about-Lillith, Lillith!, are you even listening to me?" Mia asks me with an annoyed look on her face.

I quickly snap out of my thoughts and give my attention to her. "Of course Mia! Look, I didn't have to know you or that guard to see that you're perfect for each other. All you need is confidence" I say.

Forsyth always taught me to keep an ear listening while my mind is running.

"You really think so?" She asks, hope sparkling in her eyes.

"Of course," I tell her, pasting a small smile on my face. Given my past, everything coming from me is a lie. I make sure never to reveal any true emotions on my face. I don't have the strength nor the patience for those anymore.

"Do you know where the men left to?" I ask them. 

"They always go to practice their swordcraft," Grace tells me.

"Being in the desert is no excuse for not training" Mia says trying to imitate Alex's cold and regal voice. The girls erupt into giggles, and I join in.

                                                                             ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  

As the sun is no longer visible, the girls and I finally finish, retiring for the night.

"Don't we have to wait and serve them?" I ask Grace

"No, of course not", Grace says laughing. They do it themselves and eat in their own tents. All they need us for is to make the food I guess".

I frown. This was going to be much harder than I thought. How can I get information and listen in now? Regardless of what Grace said, when the men make their way over, full of sweat, I walk to the pots where we stored the food and start scooping food into the plates.

"You don't have to serve us, we can do it ourselves", one of the men in the group right next to me says.

"Nonsense," I tell them "You have been so kind as to offer me a place with your traveling group, the least I can do is return the favor," I tell them.

"Well, we thank you", Maxon says.

After serving them, I quietly come to stand in a corner, where the shadows swallow me in their darkness. I hear parts of their conversations.

"He is getting agitated. We have to find someone soon"

"If we do not, it will be fatal, I agree"

"Chester is a good option, he has been suggested but not approved"

I almost laugh out loud. Chester Malain. He was a mere guard in Elgar, and he betrayed the king with treason to the country. After he came out, admitting to having aided Krisn in giving information about our army secrets, the kingdom arrested him and rewrote the plans for the war, though he escaped later.  However the new plans were far better than the old ones, so some good came out of it. But because of Chester, I have had to embark on this similar journey. 

I suddenly spot Alex's piercing green eyes shifting over the camp straining to see the spot where I stood. Not bad, I thought. He was going to be a problem. I stalked the length behind the camp, and slipped into my tent, only to find the women already asleep. Feeling tired after a long and treacherous journey, my eyes began to close and give in to the sheer exhaustion.

~  ~  ~

This is the first story I'm writing that isn't fanfic so be patient guys I promise it gets better :)

also if anyone is a fan of the violet eden chapters by Jessica Shirvington make sure to read my fanfic Enlighten

And lastly don't be a silent reader - vote & comment - and let me know what you think!