“I thought I heard you out here!” Erza yelled out with her high-pitched voice, opening the door to see the both of us laughing.

I could see the tables behind her in the tavern filled with people. Toasting drinks and gnawing away at some giant legs of meat.

“What is this? When did you get back here Marie?” she asked, her eyes darting back and forth and the both of us.

Marie subsided her laugh, “Just now. I happened to meet the endearing Alice here on the road besides the Bloodfest Forest. She has been keeping Erik and I company from our long travel back.”

“Bloodfest Forest? Why does it have such an ominous name?” I asked.

The two looked at the ground with somber eyes. I could see Erza clenching her hand into a fist. Feeling the air grow much heavier, I waved my hands in the air.

“Ah! Don’t worry about it.” I chuckled nervously to break the silence. “I was just curious is all, I can just ask Vintra when I see her.”

“The name has only just recently been popularized.” Marie said in a solemn tone. “On a normal day, on a warm day, an unsuspecting day, a boy covered in red came running out from that forest to a patrol guard. He pleaded with the guard, saying how his father was taken by some atrocious creature in the forest. The guard did not believe him and shrugged the boy off.”

Erza slammed the side of the wall with her fist. Marie paused for a moment, but continued on.

“The boy later went to the city and ran through the streets with the same story, ‘a beast has taken my father!’ he would yell. Eventually when people grew tired of his stories, a large group mixed with low ranking mages to non-mages were formed by an Officer to go investigate. They went to the forest at dusk, but never returned.

Not at dawn, not the day after not even a few days later.

When uprest finally got out of hand from the commoners, the guards finally went to investigate. What awaited them were droopy red leaves that dripped like saliva off your lips. Laying on the ground were the lifeless bodies of all the villagers nourishing the trees with their blood. The once abundantly green forest that was previously named Emerald Star Forest became what it is named now.”

“The stupid fools.” Erza muttered.

Her eyes piercing the ground. If she stared any longer, I would fear a hole would appear right then and there.

“Erza…” Marie said in a comforting tone.

“I’ll be inside, come in when you’re ready. You have your uniform in your rooms.” Erza said, walking into the tavern, closing the door behind her.

Uniform?

I waited until I could no longer hear her footsteps to speak, “Did something happen to her? It’s a bit much to call them fools is it not?”

“Leave her be… she must have gotten the worst of it all. She lost her whole family that day. The original owners of this establishment and her older brother who was thriving to become a city mage. Erza has lost more than anyone that day. I don't even want to imagine what would happen if I lost Erik.” Marie said, saying that last part with a smile.

A very, sorrowful smile.

***

The loud chatter and yelling in the tavern could be heard as I walked up to my room. Inside laid a black and blue uniform folded on the bed.

What is this?

I lifted it up by pinching the corners and could see it was a ruffled dress. Examining the dress front to back, I thought to myself.

She expects me to wear this?! She must be out of her mind. The embarrassment alone will have face down onto a pillow screaming.

A knock came to the door.

“Alice, you ready?” Marie asked through the door.

She came in wearing the same dress and thin-framed round glasses. Erza appeared behind her, looking me up and down.

“What, you aren’t dressed yet?” She said, bringing out her wand and waving it.

Before I knew it, the uniform exchanged places with my white clothing set being folded instead.

I could feel a breeze down below. It’s like my legs were a degree away from freezing. Why am I shivering?

The little kid appeared from underneath their legs and started laughing.

“So pretty!” He exclaimed.

Am I blushing from a little compliment like that? No, no. Definitely not.

“Come on, let’s get to it!” Erza cheered, walking up to me and grabbing my wrist to tug me along.

We went down the stairs and I could see just how filld the tavern actually is. Drinks in mugs were being splashed around with mages showing off little magic sparks with their fingers.

I felt hands lay on my back. I looked behind to see Marie smiling a cute smile and pushing me along towards the patrons.

Marie walked behind a side counter and waved her wand in a circle. A jar of herbs appeared along with other jars filled with… something.

She moved her hands elegantly as the herbs flew into the air and mixed with the other ingredients that looked like a tooth and flower. Maybe a claw?

“Alice, go serve these to tables four and seven.” Marie said, floating two green drinks towards me.

I grabbed them and walked to the tables she directed.

What exactly am I doing?!

“Miss! One more for the lad!”

Another drink floated towards me and I served it.

I spent the rest of the night serving the customers food and drinks from Erza and Marie until the sun peeked through the windows.

When the last patron laid gold coins on the table and walked out, is when I dropped down onto the chair.

“I’m so exhausted.”

“You worked hard for your first happy hour. I’m impressed.” Erza applauded, walking up in front of me.

Marie wiped her forehead with her arm and walked over to crouch beside me. She closed her eyes and smiled.

Ah, I could die to this alone. This woman is dangerous. Dangerous I say!

“Now then, shall we get started on your mana control?” Erza said unexpectedly.

“What? What do you mean?” I asked, looking up at the girl with her arms to her hips.

“Marie told me about your mishaps earlier and I saw the way your magic spiraled out of control, I believe we would be able to help fix that.”

“B-but why?” I was genuinely confused.

Erza smiled. “Magic is everything in this kingdom. Without it, you are better off being thrown to the wolves covered in the scent of meat. I cannot let someone living here die. How else am I going to collect payment?”

“Okay! I’m ready anytime!” I yelled, standing up swiftly.

I felt my head grow light and my eyes heavy. The world around me gazed as my eyes shut tight. The last thing I remember, was falling to the floor, seeing Erza’s worried face. Cute.