“So, you going to give me an answer or you plan to just keep staring blankly at the clouds?” Mera came close, casually taking a place closest to the exhausted boy. His mind was still struggling to craft a response, not accepting a simple yes or no, as regret was clear in his expression, no doubt still shackled by his action’s days prior. Many within the camp who knew what happened had quickly forgiven him, he was new, unaware of things and still young. The problem lay with the boy, he could not forgive himself, specifically his perceived inadequacies.

These thoughts came to a standstill seconds later, Mera without any prodding scooched over closer and naturally cradled the boy’s head. The water skin held firmly in her grasp as she lifted his chin and tipped the opening towards his dry lips. Like a man dying of thirst the boy latched onto the skin, taking long drawn-out gulps. His eyes however never stopped moving, analyzing the surroundings, specifically the girl above, her fingers, the way her hair waved in the wind, and the firmness of her thighs upon his head.

It was in these moments of concentration that he had begun to notice the important points, the girl was not the dainty flower she appeared. Barely noticeable were the calluses upon her palms, signs of extensive weapons training. The discoloration under her fingernails and along the lowest strands of her hair, an indication of both consumption and fabrication of poisons. Whereas the firmness of her thighs belied a strength present in those who have spent many years in physical training, beneath the angelic exterior existed a capable warrior. Sadly, the boy had been too blind to notice the signs, his words had disregarded the efforts that the woman before him had gone through, essentially spitting upon her achievements. A good reason for anyone to lash out in anger, his minor and fleeting punishment was light in comparison.

Mera was to many a beautiful girl, a reflection of her mother who was herself considered a beauty. Yet that perception of beauty, the acknowledgements for that which she was born with while overlooking the accomplishments achieved through great difficulty left the girl hateful. Only the Scholar saw her for what she truly was, an intelligent, dutiful, and dedicated citizen. Everything she did was for the betterment of her community, ways to heal the sick, and methods to punish the wicked. That is what she wanted to be acknowledged for more than anything else.

“…sorry…” Laying there the champion’s words were barely a whisper, the rustling of the wind easily overpowering them. Mera leaned in a little closer, placing the water skin on the ground beside them before asking, “What was that? I couldn’t quite hear you; you’ll need to speak up.”

The boy slowed his breathing and calmed his mind before continuing, “I am sorry… I was wrong before and needed to apologize. My judgement was flawed, based solely upon the stories of others, and without first experiencing the world outside. I see now as I lay here the extents to which you have gone to perfect yourself… I am sorry that I did not recognize it before.” Mera appeared genuinely taken aback, obviously not expecting such a reversal, “Wh… What are you talking about?”

“The discoloration beneath your fingers, the calluses upon your palms, and the strength of your thighs… all points towards regular and consistent training. It shows more visibly in some and less in others, more than likely you fall into the latter category. Thus, I can only assume based on your response that it is rare for others to perceive the real you. It all made sense today… it was in this moment that I realized the cause of that almost imperceptible twitch of your lips the other day, a slight grimace when others mentioned your beauty.” It was Mera’s turn to remain utterly speechless, a slight flush visible upon her neck, a first for Temrenos’s Little Witch.

Yet the boy was not yet finished, with those in the surroundings feigning ignorance but craning their necks, interested in the ongoing play. “My life was like that of an animal… always trapped within the cage that was the arena. That is why I have only ever lived as a beast; I see that now… I have witnessed your connection with one another, your strong spirit… the same as I felt from my teacher, the only one I could ever trust fully and without fear. But I would like to learn your ways… to be a better person, to live as a human, and not as a beast.”

Mera had long since removed her hand that had been supporting his head, leaving him to gaze upwards once again, contemplating the words he had just espoused in front of so many. Worried about having said something untoward and embarrassed at the childish embarrassment he was feeling at the moment. Yet, just as he was preparing to apologize and stumble away his head was lifted carefully off the dusty earth. After which they were placed upon a soft and firm surface.

It took him several moments to realize what the surface was, the source of which was currently peering directly into his own eyes, the emerald globes glowing in the shadows cast by her long flowing locks. The boy’s face heat up, resembling a ripened tomato within seconds, with the only respite being that her hair obscured the image from those in the surroundings.

“You truly are a fool, embarrassing both you and I in front of everyone… Do not expect this treatment again, one time only, a gift to make up for my own shortcomings. What made you change your mind?” Mera whispered into the boy’s ear, bringing her face ever closer, while remaining in control.

“It was you, as you helped me to swallow that tepid and bitter water, I was able to focus my thoughts. Thinking back to what I said about the weakness and frailty of women, I decided to observe my surrounding more carefully. It was only then that I noticed the signs of your efforts, it was my mistake.” Raising his right hand the boy placed it upon his heart, gone was the flush of embarrassment, replaced instead with a steely resolve. “My words were arrogant and condescending. I disregarded and ignored your efforts, even if accidentally, I generalized all women and failed to see you as a unique individual… For that I apologize.”

The boy then removed his hand flashed a playful smile towards the girl and said, “Or maybe I was just trying to impress a pretty girl? Who knows, maybe I’ll get another chance to use it on some beauty who showed some care for this poor injured soul.” That last line elicited a barely suppressed giggle from the girl, followed closely by another slap. This time on the forehead, not painful, just a playful tap. A sign of Mera’s acceptance, if only slightly.

“Do you flatter every girl you meet? Or does that just come naturally… I am glad though. You at least are the kind of man who can own up to his mistakes. Maybe there is hope for you yet.” It seemed as if there was something else she wished to add; but the interruption of another brought the conversation to a swift conclusion.

“Well, well, our prickly little witch seems to have taken a liking to the newcomer. Have you taken a fancy to the young man my dear? Here I was hoping to invite him for some male only bonding time after our strenuous exercise… However, sadly duty calls, and the work never ends. Hence why I am here, word has just arrived that one of the workers below has been injured… sorry to cut your bonding time but your expertise is needed.” Malakos twisted his immaculate goatee, before walking off with his aides in tow.

“Why are you laughing…. Ouch!” Mera unceremoniously dropped the boys head back onto the dirt below. As she dusted herself off, she struggled to stop the fit of laughter plaguing her. “Haah… Hah… Oh boy, it looks like you have already been introduced to Malakos. My brother always tries to avoid him, but he is the right hand of Captain Maatilani, and the truth is he is quite the capable commander. The laughter has nothing to do with you by the way, just recalling my brother’s face the other day… anyway have fun and good luck.” With that Mera ran off down the hillside and disappeared from sight.

“Ow… Shit. Who the?” As the champion was focused on Mera’s retreating figure, he failed to notice the mountain of a man. His thick barrel lick fingers flicking the boy in the center of his forehead.

“Oh, looks like you made some progress there boy… got a bit more attention than you may have wanted. But either way that was good work, smooth delivery for a first timer with no prior experience. Significantly better than your deer in the firelight approach. Everyone expected you to fail… bet on it actually, but I trusted you boy and you didn’t let m down.” Timeaus pressed his meaty finger down on the boy’s head, squatting next to him with a wide smile on his scarred face. In his other hand was a pouch from which a jingle could be heard, even a shine of silver was visible at the top.

“Now I expect you have a lot of questions, and I simply don’t have the time. Other than that, I’ve got a bit of silver here and an empty wine skin, you put the two together… Word of advice though boy, get some gear ready, the enemy should be upon us soon enough. Also, don’t accept everything my niece grants you so willingly… take a look at your hand.” Just as quickly as he appeared the man had left, whistling a tune and swinging his coin purse. Yet, the boy had no time to worry about Timeaus. His focus was squarely upon his hand, round purple welts had begun to sprout along the tips.

At first the changes were small, then a purple rash started to spread up his arm and neck. Unable to contain himself, the boy began to vigorously itch his entire body, forcing him to roll around like a worm for even temporary relief. Only then did he recall Timeaus’s words and more specifically Mera’s bitter water, only then did the clues click in his mind.