I stared blankly at the message that popped up, only to hear a giggle at my side. "There is not much I can give you, but these two things should help you in the future. You should wash up and change your clothes."
After a hot bath, I walked out in a fresh set of clothes that were made from the leaves of the world tree. However, there were no special stats on them. It was just a long green dress. When Nalia saw me, she smiled as she said: "Faith…. You are more….. Never mind. Time will say it all…."
Hearing Nalia's words confused me. Why did she start saying something but then stop? I guess she saw my frown because she giggled as she covered her mouth. "Do not dwell on my words. Just think of it as me misspeaking. "
I could only sigh as she began talking about other things. We spoke about trends in the cities for clothing and snacks and many other things. Nalia was a very chatty person, but I guess with so few people to talk to, this was a given. Not many were allowed to come and talk with her. So after many hours of talking, Nalia's expression looked very lonely as she looked up at the darkening sky. "It is getting dark. You should head back."
I stood up but did not turn to leave, instead, I walked over, and under the shocked gaze of Nalia, I gave her a hug. And then handed her a crystal orb. "If you ever wish to talk or want me to come see you use this. By injecting a bit of mana into it, you will be able to speak to me." I would have suggested for her to speak to Runa, but I was unsure if that was okay as Runa was an elf. I did not wish to make decisions for her.
Nalia looked at the orb in her hand and then back at me, and a smile bloomed on her face as she held the orb close to her. "In all my years…. You are the only one to truly understand me. The elves mean well, and they treat me as some kind of deity, but still, even deities get lonely from time to time…. Faith, the child of dragons…. I thank you."
"We are now friends. Thanking me sounds too stiff. I will call you Sister Nalia from now on. We can now be sworn, sisters." I was unsure if this was right, but I felt a close connection to Nalia as we spoke. We really got along well. I did not wish for this to be our last meeting.
"Sworn sisters…" Nalia lowered her head. She then nodded and reached out and touched my forehead. "From this moment on, we will truly be sisters." I felt a small pinch on my forehead as Nalia pressed her finger on it. Soon I felt something enter my mind. I closed my eyes and saw a tiny green light within my mind.
"With this, you will be seen by all spirits as my sister. They will acknowledge you as one of their own." Nalia explained as she gave me a hug. "Sister, go and sleep. I will contact you in the future."
I smiled and nodded my head. Nalia was really a kind soul. "Then I will talk with you tomorrow. From now on, I will try to make contact at least once a day this way…. You will never be lonely again. And…." I leaned down and whispered: "If you can keep it a secret, I can come visit you every now and then as well without the elves knowing."
Nalia smiled and nodded her head. "I would like that very much."
"Then I will visit again. Oh right…. Sister, would it be okay if I put up a stronger barrier? I do worry for your safety." I asked. I knew this was a bit out of left field, but I worried that with the way the world was now that someone might target here.
"It's fine. The barrier that is up now is just an elven barrier, but if I were to cast one, not even Azengrade could break through it. You should go. Your friend has waited a long time." Nalia's words once more surprised me! She knew Azengrade! Knowing Nalia, she could definitely not answer any more questions now that she was shooing me away, so I could only sigh as I waved goodbye to her and walked back down the small path toward the exit. But before I left, I paused my steps and yelled out. "Little Bell!"
"Hehe!" I heard her giggle as she flew over and landed on my shoulder. I poked her stomach, causing her to giggle and me to shake my head. This little one has a lot of trouble sometimes. I would be afraid of not being able to get Little Bell back if I left her there.
As I walked out, Runa was talking with Rolash over a cup of tea. When they heard me coming, they both looked at me, and the tea cups in their hands slipped and clattered onto the table, spilling the contents. They were both mouths open, staring at me. "What is wrong with you two?"
"Faith you!?" Runa suddenly got up and knelt on the ground, and so did Rolash.
"What are you two doing, please get up!? Are you playing a joke on me!?" I was a bit confused at this sudden reaction since Runa would never bow to me. Even if I was empress she would still act the same as she always has. This was what made Runa, Runa.
"But you have the mark of the priestess…." Rolash was the one to answer me.
But his words made me purse my lips. But when I thought about it, I reached up and rubbed my forehead before creating a reflective piece of ice in front of me. And sure enough, I had a small green leaf imprint in the middle of my forehead. I knew I felt something, but I never expected this. "This is just something Sister Nalia put on me on a whim. Do not think too much about it."
"Sister?" Runa looked at me in surprise.
"Mmmm… Nalia and I decided to become sworn sisters." I did not see anything wrong with this. I mean, we were basically just making a verbal agreement, but now that I have this mark, maybe it wasn't just verbal. Anyway, Nalia is a kind person, and I will not let her suffer from her lonely life.
