Madeline hadn’t slept very well the night before, they’d tossed and turned and kept waking up with bad dreams. It was frustrating because it felt like as each day passed, the dreams became more and more vivid and more and more terrifying. She’d wake up the next morning feeling like they’d actually happened, sometimes even waking up in a cold sweat.
She tried to shake off the remnants of the night's terrors, but the images clung to her like a second skin. Even as she went about her day, the echoes of her nightmares lurked at the edges of her consciousness, casting a pallor over everything.
Eventually she found herself pacing around the keep, and made her way outside to the steps where she sat down to get some fresh air and try to clear her head. She dismissed the rest of the appointments for the day. She sat on the steps, clearly disheveled, quietly muttering to herself a bit.
Suddenly, she found herself consumed by her thoughts, her gaze lost in the distance, and her mind replaying the tormenting dreams. Everything around her seemed to dim as her mind sank deeper into the abyss of her nightmares.
Aelyenthi was wandering around the keep, the cold making goosebumps rise on her skin. The past few days she had been restless, feeling a pang of an emotion that she had never experienced before. She had performed her role a hundred times, not a pinch of guilt stirring her thoughts, after all survival was her priority and performing well was intrinsically linked to survive.
For once whenever she saw some people she wanted to believe the words of appreciation, to embrace the warmth instead of mocking at it. For once she felt guilt at ruining lives that would do better without them.
In her wandering she spotted Madeline, approaching the main source of her guilt “Are you right my lady?” she said appearing next to her, her voice barely audible in the windy afternoon.
It took a moment for Madeline to realise someone was speaking to her, she sort of shook her head and turned to look at Ely. She did her best attempt at a smile, but it was weak at best. Then she looked around and then back at Ely.
Goodness I must have lost track of time. I didn’t expect to see you until the afternoon, and here we are, afternoon already. Then it occurred to Madeline that Ely had asked a question, asked how they were. That was hard to answer, Madeline didn’t like admitting to not being well, and at the moment she wasn’t even sure what was wrong, only that she felt so off lately.
Oh, everything’s just fine. I just was feeling a bit claustrophobic and came out for some air is all. Was that the truth? Maybe partially, but Madeline just wasn’t ready to talk about the nightmares and bad feelings.
Don’t worry at all my lady, I am not in a hurry nor I did have anything specific planned for today. Our meeting can be delayed if you aren’t feeling well” said Ely with a pleasant smile. She kept a warm demeanor around the arlessa, polite and distanced as she should be. Technically this performace was the easiest that she has made in her entire life yet it was being one of the hardest; why she felt as if she was failing in her duties? Like if she was in one of her first missions back then when it all had started?
The difference is that back then she had experienced zero remorse or emotions towards her targets. She had ruined lives with a smile on her face but now she found hard to even look at the Arlessa in the eye. “Perhaps we could grab some food together an walk a little? That might soothe your nerves”. She told herself that it was a part of the performance, to be of service to seem invested.
Nodding slowly, Madeline agreed. [a]That sounds like a good idea, Ely. A walk might just be what I need right now.[/a] She stood up, still looking a little lost, but there was a new determination in her eyes. She would not let these nightmares rule her life.
After a moment, Madeline pushed herself off the steps and stood, brushing off her skirts. [a]Lead the way, Ely,[/a] she said and offered a small smile. It was a smile that didn't fully reach her eyes, but it was a start.
As they started to walk, Madeline found herself appreciating the distraction. The fresh air felt good against her skin, and the exercise helped to clear her mind. The nightmares were still lurking, but for now, they were pushed to the back of her mind.
I heard that Beth’s food stall has recently added meat kabobs to their menu, maybe we should check that out? She asked Ely as they walked.
“Yes! To be honest I wasn’t a very big fan of meat until I moved to Ferelden” she said with a small smile as they moved towards Beth’s food stall. “I guess that you have always lived here Madelaine? Or have you lived in other cities or even countries before? “ It was a simple question that would keep the arlessa engaged while she watched her closely.
They ordered the kabobs and sat down, with the food and some water in front of them “Have you considered to take a small break? Maybe it would be good for your health my lady”
Madeline smiled warmly as she settled into her seat at the stall, the aroma of grilled meat mingling with the bustling sounds of the market around them. She took a small sip of water before answering Beth.
Oh, I've lived in a few places before settling here in West Hills, always Ferelden though, Madeline replied, her gaze momentarily drifting as she recalled past travels. I have visited Antiva City, spent some time in Kirkwall, even ventured as far as Val Royeaux for a while. But West Hills will always be my home.
She picked up a kabob skewer, savoring the flavor before continuing. As for taking a break, I appreciate your concern. It's been a hectic season, hasn't it? But I find these moments in the market quite rejuvenating. Besides, there's always something new to discover here.
Madeline gestured around them, indicating the lively stalls and diverse crowd. And speaking of breaks, how about you? Do you get a chance to unwind from your busy duties? I’d hate to think I’m over working you.
“That explains your wisdom and open mindness, usually the people that has seen different places is the more open to changes and new perspectives” said Ael with the wisdom that came from her own experiences. “Well you know what they say, home is where the heart is and for you clearly is West Hills”
“The food is great, I do prefer markets to taverns when it comes to food; it tends to be fresher and it feels less crowded” she agreed. Her mind was always looking for an exit plan and it was way easier to flee outdoors than inside of a building.
“I was never good at taking down time, I do have it but I rarely use it.” She said with an shrug “At times I do pay a visit with Rian; I think that he’s one of the few acquaintances that I have made here” that was a cold word for how she regarded him but she wasn’t going to show her cards to Madeline.
Madeline listened to Ely's words with a thoughtful expression, appreciating the insight into her companion's world. It was moments like these, small and seemingly inconsequential, that Madeline cherished. Despite the lingering darkness from her nightmares, she found comfort in the simplicity of shared conversations, especially with someone as intriguing as Ely.
She took another bite of her kabob, savoring the rich, smoky flavor before responding. You’re right about the markets, Ely. There’s something refreshing about being out in the open air, surrounded by people going about their day. It’s like a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively. Taverns can feel a bit too confining sometimes.
Madeline let out a soft chuckle, though there was a hint of something melancholic beneath it. As for taking time off, it’s funny, isn’t it? How we get so caught up in our duties that we forget to just... live. It’s something I’m trying to work on, though I suppose I’ve always found it easier to focus on others rather than myself.
She studied Ely for a moment, intrigued by her remark about not being good at taking downtime. There was something guarded about her, a subtle distance that Madeline couldn’t quite bridge. Still, she appreciated the honesty in her words.
Rian is a good man, Madeline said, nodding slightly. I’m glad you’ve found someone you can connect with here. It’s important to have people you can trust, especially in a place as unpredictable as West Hills. She paused, her eyes softening as she looked at Ely. You know, if you ever do need to take some time for yourself, don’t hesitate to let me know. I’d hate to think I’m contributing to your workload without realizing it.
She offered Ely a sincere smile, hoping to convey that she truly cared for her well-being, even if Ely might be too guarded to fully accept it. And if you ever want to talk, or just need a break from everything, you know where to find me.
Madeline’s thoughts briefly drifted back to the nightmares that had plagued her, the unease gnawing at her edges. But sitting here, sharing this moment with Ely, she felt a small measure of peace. Maybe that was all she needed right now—just a bit of normalcy, a reminder that not everything had to be a struggle.
She looked up at the sky, the late afternoon sun casting a warm glow over the market. Perhaps we should make this a regular thing, Ely. A little escape from our duties now and then. What do you think?
Madeline’s smile this time was a little brighter, a bit more genuine. For a moment, the weight of her nightmares lifted, replaced by the warmth of a simple, shared moment.
“Taverns are overrated” she agreed with a slight smile “Besides I spend way too long inside of buildings to do it too in my free time”.
“I think that there’s certain comfort on losing oneself in work; work doesn’t question why you are completing it, doesn’t allow you to stop for more in depth ponderings in the way that free time does, that’s why many people find it reassuring” she said, speaking about herself a little if she was honest. Back when she had mindlessly fulfilled her duty, her life had been way easier. Now she found herself on a bit of a dilemma, wanting to life and knowing that her life didn’t belong to herself.
“He is quite the good man, you should hear your maids talking about them, I worry about having to tend a faint one of these days” she said, feeling a pang of jealously that she couldn’t quite pinpoint and that luckily didn’t reflect on her face. “Well…I don’t think that I will need to take the offer of free time, but thank you for offering ma’am” she said scratching the back of her neck. Damn why was Madelaine so kind? It made her work way more difficult. Perhaops that was her problem, this was the very first time that she had found someone that she felt guilty about ruining with her arts.
“We definitively should, it would be my pleasure Madeline” she said with a small smile, trying to cover emotions that threatened on ruining her well placed mask.
Madeline noticed the slight hesitation in Ely’s words and gestures, and for a moment, she felt a pang of sympathy. There was something more behind that calm exterior, something she couldn’t quite put her finger on, but she didn’t want to push Ely too hard. Everyone had their own burdens to bear, and Madeline was well aware that some things were best left unspoken until the person was ready to share.
She smiled softly, acknowledging Ely’s words with a nod. I understand. Sometimes, burying ourselves in work feels like the easiest way to keep everything else at bay. But remember, even the strongest among us need a moment to breathe. Her tone was gentle, almost as if she were reminding herself of the same truth.
Madeline chuckled at the mention of the maids fawning over Rian. Ah, yes, Rian does seem to have that effect on people, doesn’t he? I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for any swooning maids in need of rescue. There was a lightness in her voice, an effort to keep the conversation on a more cheerful note.
When Ely agreed to the idea of making their outings a regular thing, Madeline’s smile grew warmer. I’m glad to hear that. It’ll be nice to have something to look forward to amidst all the chaos. Besides, I enjoy your company, Ely. It’s refreshing. She meant every word, hoping Ely knew that.
Madeline took a moment to finish her kabob, savoring the last bite as she looked around the market. The bustling activity, the smells, the colors—it was all so vibrant, so full of life. It reminded her that despite the nightmares and the darkness that sometimes threatened to overwhelm her, there was still beauty and joy to be found in the world.
Turning back to Ely, Madeline reached out and gently touched her arm, a small gesture of connection. Thank you for this, Ely. I didn’t realize how much I needed it until now. You have a way of grounding me, bringing me back to the present when my mind starts to wander too far. Her voice was sincere, filled with gratitude.
She pulled back her hand, giving Ely a reassuring smile. I think we should head back soon, but let’s not make this the last time we do something like this. A little escape, now and then, can work wonders.
“Breathing is overrated, specially when there’s so much left to do” said Ael with a small smile. She couldn’t afford a break, there was so much at stake in her position.
“Yes, otherwise I shall be the one tending them and I think that most of them hate me already, because apparently being Rian’s friend is considered a major offense among the women in this land” said the elf as she rolled her eyes, clearly bothered by their childish behavior. If Rian had been her target he would be hers already but he wasn’t and she had not tried a damned thing, why were they so…intense about their friendship?.
“Refreshing if compared with noble meetings I assume? People often find my company too serious to be fully enjoyable” said the brunette with a small smile.
“Im here for whatever you need my lady” she said with a small bow as they headed back towards the castle “Perhaps I could send you a message next time that I go to the market, if you wish and are able to accompany me”
