Brenna's POV

Once Chief Bloodborne left, I jumped up from my hiding spot and attempted to make myself look somewhat decent.

The servants brought up my breakfast which consisted of some fruits and something that I could only compare to oatmeal and goat's milk to drink.

They also brought up a pitcher and basin for me to wash up. I guess they hadn't received the memo that I hadn't had a bath. I did my best to clean up and fix my hair.

I rubbed at some of the dirt I had on my dress. It wasn't anything fancy. I was in my bed chamber when that one orc came for me; needless to say, my dress was more casual.

It was a nude peach color made from layers of sheer fabric and lined. The dress wasn't embroidery or beaded, so it was relatively plain beside the long flowy bell sleeves.

I waited around the room, expecting him to be back soon, but hours went on and nothing. I paced around, worried that I had offended him.

I quickly shook the thought from my head and just waited some more until I couldn't take it. I didn't want to seem too worried about why he hadn't come back, but I at least needed to know what time it was.

I worked up the courage to push open the giant door to the room and peeked out. This hall was gigantic and had door after door lined down it. They all looked the same. My father had me believing they lived in caves, but how wrong he was.

There was breathtaking architecture. The ceiling was vaulted. Somehow there were large roots meticulously entwined to create it. The roots spread down to the sides of the wall, creating archways.

It looked somewhat reminiscent. It reminded me of illustrations I saw of the Elven Kingdom before it fell. I hadn't noticed it before. Either from fear or being lugged over that Orcs shoulder.

I cleared my throat. "Hello, is anyone here?". My voice echoed down the hall. "I just wanted to get the time."

I thought no one would answer until I heard hurried footsteps. Around the end of the hall came one of the lady's maids.

"It is nearly 6 in the evening, my lady. Do you need anything?"

"No, that was all. Thank you."

I went back into the room and huffed. I was beyond bored, and my guilt was eating me up. I didn't know why I felt guilty, but it's just in my nature to worry.

I was so used to upsetting my father and receiving harsh punishment that when I thought I'd upset someone, I would overthink.

I lay down in bed and closed my eyes. Somehow I drifted off to sleep.

Jaspers POV

I didn't get a chance to speak with Brenna again until pretty late. I started not to bother her because I thought she would be asleep. I decided to anyway, given the circumstances. I wasn't sure if I'd have time tomorrow.

We locked down the mountain range and set up archers at every post. We planned to ride back in the morning with a Calvary to confront them. They'd be less likely to initiate an attack with a large group.

I made my way up to her bed chamber and knocked on her door lightly, not wanting to wake her up if she had already fallen asleep. I didn't get an answer, so I cracked the door slightly. I at least wanted to check on her.

She lay curled up in the middle of the bed. She looked so small in it. I noticed she had her feet wrapped in the bottom of her dress. "She must be cold," I thought.

I quietly stepped in to light the hearth and lay out the things I went out to get her on the vanity so she could find them in the morning. I made my way to the door and was about to leave when I heard her voice.

"Wait," She said softly. She sat up, blinking the sleep from her eyes.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up. I was just leaving some things for you."

She looked at me with those big doe eyes like she was waiting for me to say more. I stuttered a moment, trying to think of what else to say.

"Umm, there's soaps and oils made from our goat's milk and bees wax. Oh, and I picked some Nepeta flowers. You can use those to make tea and put them in your bath. I learned that from some of the other women. They say it helps with... their... cramps."

I could feel my face starting to turn red. Why did I feel like this, off my game and nervous? She's such a small innocent-looking thing. "Oh, and I got you a few other things. Some clothes and fabric if you like to sew. I'm sorry if it doesn't fit you."

She looked surprised. "Oh, thank you so much. I'm sure they will fit fine." She got up to look. She smiled a little when she saw the green dress, but you could tell she was suppressing it. I think most humans are taught not to be overly emotional. A lot of the women act this way when they first come here.

"Well, goodnight then." I turned to walk to the door. Before I could reach it, I felt something soft graze the back of my hand. She had followed behind me and was trying to get my attention again.

I looked at her questioningly. I was confused as to why she'd touched my hand. I figured she was scared of me. She didn't take her hand back. Instead, I slid mine around it and waited for her to speak. I felt a strange feeling in my gut.

She blushed a moment before speaking. "I just wanted to apologize." She paused. I looked at her questioningly. "For... um, snapping at you this morning... and the... whole poker thing."

I couldn't help but laugh. "It's okay. I'd rather be in the company of a woman with some backbone anyway." I squeezed her hand and brought it to my lips, careful not to put my two large teeth on her. I gently kissed the back of it and let it go.

Her face turned even redder. "U...um, I wanted to say before you leave, if you have time tomorrow, I'd love for you to show me around," she said.

I wanted nothing more than to say yes to her, but I knew I'd have a long day tomorrow. "I'm not sure if I will have time tomorrow." I could see her expression change to disappointment. "I still want to, but there are some things I need to deal with tomorrow. It is a part of the chief job". I said lightheartedly. "I'll try to see you if I have time."

I finally turned to leave for the night. What was this girl doing to me? I've never cared this much about someone's thoughts of me or any of this shit. I'm not sure why I care. "She's probably just trying to be nice," I thought before laying down.