-Ophilanna

  The world swam back into focus, a kaleidoscope of fragmented imagery and emotions unfolded before me. A strange, yet comforting face, etched with worry and profound sadness, entered my peripheral vision. I rubbed my eyes, partially to get rid of the excess sleepiness, and to see if this.. was just a dream. A ruse.

  "I'm sorry..", I stammered, looking at her from the side, "who are you?"

  She felt like someone I've known for so long, yet I couldn't bring myself to remember. This wasn't the earth I knew; neither sister nor brother were here. I don't recall being here.. Only the coldness of death, ravaging my intestines was the machine my brother drove into me. It was all.. eerie.

  As would be expected of a reaction, Erica's eyes teared up. "I.. see.. you really don't remember.."

  She let off me after standing up. The girl stood still, silently, coming to terms with it all by herself.

  "Rest well, Ophi..", she yelped quietly before exiting the room, "if you need me, just call, okay?"

  A small 'yes' was all I could muster. After Erica left, a maid entered once more. "Lady Fia", she spoke to me, "do you wish to bathe and get ready?"

  I nodded, taking my to actually register she was talking to me.. new name and all. Her question hung in the air, and I answered it quickly with a dry, monotone nod. "Very well, then. I will ready the bath for you, milady."

  Then, the maid left. Like all the others.

  "I'm.. sorry. Sorry that I can't remember. This is all.. so foreign and scary.", I whispered in pain. My throat felt rough, my voice croaking. My body felt like it was spiralling into delirium.

  The image of Erica's crumpled face and teary eyes made me nauseous. I didn't understand. She must be someone really important to me. So familiar. Yet.. why.. is there such a void stretching out between us?

  A chasm of lost memories?

  I closed my eyes, if not just to rest, weary from all these hazy, terrifying experiences.

  Abruptly, my memory fragments coalesced, turning into vivid imagery, of colours never seen and sounds never heard. Flashes of them, akin to lightning strikes through darkness, illuminated the very corners of my broken mind.

  In front of me, a dark alleyway, and behind me, intoxicating smell of damp earth, decay, and diesel.

  A woman's face, contorted in grief, hanging lifelessly, and a man's angry eyes.

  Me. The death that haunted me, and the man that took the last thing I called mine, my life.

  Filled with accusation, his eyes were those of a demon. Vision blurred, scenery changed. The darkness made way for a bright flash, sounds of explosion, of death and terror.

  It all unfolded so fast; a burning village, as tribal and primal as they come, and blood eroding its way through the mud. Shivers kept me on edge, my mind fixated on the scene in my mind.

  "L-.. get her!", a voice shouted, distorted heavily. "K-... the bitch!", it screamt.

  A woman, an elf like Erica, being relentlessly pursued through a forest, was visible. She reminded me of someone. My mother.

  Wait.. she isn't my mother. At least.. not my mother on earth. The one.. that took her life.

  In horror I watched soldiers surround her, a successful attempt to escape their circle, and one of their arrows impaling her stomach. She bled heavily, but escaped into a cave.

  Her breathing was haggard, she looked pale and unwell. Blood pooled at the edge of her feet.

  I felt a deep sense of discomfort just watching her, though while my arm extended and reached out to her, I was immaterial, just a bystander to watch.

  Besides me, a hand slowly gripped mine; so I looked, to my shock.

  There stood a version of me, and yet, she overlapped with another girl, a younger version of the body I am inhabiting, as if she was watching this woman die together with me.

  Then there were cries, ones so fierce, they pierced my eardrums, to haunt me for days and nights to come. She vehemently opposed the will of nature; a cruel mistress, as it is, and tried to put pressure on her mother's wound, to no avail.

  When the mother was but a lifeless body, and the girl's eyes were emptier than her mother's, she still prevailed, crawling out of the cave, coughing at the ashen air outside.

  I saw embers and sparks, a burning inferno that ravaged what she called home.

  As I watched in horror, I could only feel a tugging sensation, the girl so anxious, and her hand in mine. It was a nightmare to see, and one that shook me to my core.

  "She's dead. Mother is dead.", the girl said, somber and sad, eyes more lifeless than mine, when I passed. "I couldn't.. protect her.. or do anything..", she cried out, right into my chest.

  I stood, in what felt like near eternity, caressing this little girl's hair. The pain she must feel... No..

  "It's our pain", she left my embrace and whispered, "yours as much as mine."

  I stared. Whether it was holes into the air, or me looking for words to say. Nothing would come.

  "I know that feeling all too well..", some syllables escaped my lips, "of not being able to do anything. You are me."

  "That's right. Currently..", her eyes shifted to a scene erupting in front of us rather vividly, "you're worrying so many others. Just like us..."

  I finished her sentence. "They feel like they can't do anything.."

  And she continued. "About this situation.", though she added, staring into my eyes, "we are one, one in two. The memories you carry, and the ones you made as me, are one. Our pain is fundamentally similar."

  A tear rolled down her cheek, I wiped it away. Likewise, she caressed my cheek, reaching up to my face. I must have shed one, too.

  "Let's go, Elaine. Or should I say..", she put on a smile, "Ophilanna?"

  My hand trembled. Hers did, as well. Naturally, since we weren't all that different.. cogs of the same mechanism.

  Together we walked- this horrific display quietly dissipated by itself, never to show itself again.

  I am me.

  Rays shone onto my face, slightly blinding me. Without even averting my gaze to the right of the bed, I could tell a presence. Erica, most likely? Perhaps a maid? The Baroness?

  In the corner of my eye, I saw a sleeping, slouched figure, holding onto my hand and blanket.

  Yes, Erica. I had guessed her right from her presence alone.

  A smile grew on my lips, "Erica, I'm sorry for worrying you so much. I'm back."

  Unexpectedly, she yawned, and slowly but surely awoke, opening her eyes to see me, though sleepy, caress her.

  "Ophi..?", Erica mouthed, leisurely stretching and taking her time to realise.

  "I'm back.", I smiled at her, opening my arms gently. Abruptly, her eyes widened, and when she had realised it, I already took her into my arms. "I'm sorry for worrying you. I'm back now. Promise."

  Despite the initial surprise and her taking sweet time to process what I said, she still wrapped her arms around me. Erica clung tightly to me, as if she was afraid of losing something. Awkwardly, my hand attempted to pat her back, hardly able to.

  I was caught by surprise when she erupted into tears, sobbing into my chest. "I thought you would never remember..", Erica whined, "I'm so glad you're back. I was so scared.."

  She pulled pack, cupping my cheeks. "Welcome back, Ophi!" I wiped a tear off her cheek, but it felt like she was soothing me at this point.

  So I teased her. "Come think of it. You called me Ophi. Who's Ophi?", I turned my head. The cogs in her brain began to turn, and then she hit my shoulder with her fist.

  "Ouch", I complained, "that really hurts! You got stronger? I'm sorry, that was just a joke."

  She had half a grin on her face, clearly not amused. "It was a pretty bad one.. Don't scare me like that! Do you want me to cry?"

  I shook my head, and my eyes shifted to the maid standing in the doorway, door leaning into the hallway. Averting myself from Erica, I greeted her. "I'm fine", I preemptively mouthed my words.

  In turn, she responded quickly, dropping the plate she was carrying to my room as usual, shouting in the hallways "She's awake, everyone!", things like "Tell the Baroness!" and "Lady Fia is awake!"

  I wouldn't have thought everyone to be rooting for me this much. Had they grown attached without me really noticing?

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  That pinches me a little. Wait. Erica pinched me.

  "Everyone.. was concerned. For you. Your well-being..", she said, somber. Then Erica nudged me.

  "Just let them cheer. You're back. Everyone really enjoyed you being here."

  My hand reached out to hers. "Thank you for telling me. I should really pay attention to others around me."

  She replied initially. "You were pretty busy.. with yourself. Nobody can fault you for that, just as I had my rock to carry, you did yours."

  I giggled at her, jumping out of bed and pulling her with me. "Let's go, I want to see the Baroness."

  The mansion's training ground.

  In the Baroness' mansion, a wild fire erupted and took the entire complex by storm. Adalbert, who had been training the soldiers, caught in the corner of his eye a maid running around and screaming, like she was insane. "A case for the exorcists, huh", he thought.

  Though when she reached earshot, his ears perked up immediately. "She's awake, everyone! Lady Fia is back!"

  "I can't believe my ears these days..", he chuckled, "am I really getting old?"

  Someone beside him quickly gathered their things, embarking in the blink of an eye. It was Mena, who was watching the training on-going with curiousity. Something far more interesting came up, it seems.

  "There she goes", mused Adalbert, "always so quick, that woman. Hah.. but that's what I like about her.. So fast on her feet."

  "Capt'n", one of the soldiers roused him from his thought, "Just go for it. You two would be so well together!"

  A wave of laughter rolled through the mass of soldiers, rooting for their captain. He awkwardly ran his gaze through the group.

  "I will remember each and every single one of you! Continue training. I will go investigate the maid's claims right now."

  "Tell Lady Fia that we missed her!", the soldiers shouted behind Adalbert as he left. "Sure will", he waved. In the background, a scene of hard training, metal clashing against metal and wood against wood, filled the training courtyard with noise.

  He just hoped to escape his troop, so eager to tease him for his love. As such, this rumor better be truthful, he mulled, otherwise some behaviour therapy was in order.

  Emerging from her room with Erica by her side, Ophilanna stepped into the mansion's hallway, now seeing it with fresh eyes. Sunlight streamed through the arched windows, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. As they walked, hushed whispers turned into excited murmurs, and soon, a small group of servants, maids and butlers alike, gathered around them.

  "Lady Fia! You are truly awake!" a young maid exclaimed, her eyes wide with relief.

  "We were so worried, milady," added a butler, his usually stoic face softened with concern. "How are you feeling?"

  Questions tumbled out in a rush: "Is your head alright?", "Do you remember everything now?", "Did you get enough rest?". Ophilanna, taken aback by the outpouring of concern, felt a blush creeping up her neck. Erica, a step behind, watched with a gentle smile.

  "I… I'm feeling much better, thank you," Ophilanna stammered, her gaze darting between the earnest faces surrounding her. She managed a small, awkward giggle. "My head… it feels clearer now. Thank you all for your concern."

  A chorus of relieved sighs and happy murmurs rippled through the group. One of the maids, bolder than the rest, stepped forward and gently touched Ophilanna's arm. "We are just so glad to have you back, Lady Fia. The mansion felt so empty without your… your presence."

  Ophilanna's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red. "That's… very kind of you to say," she mumbled, unsure how to respond to such open affection. She offered a small, grateful smile, her eyes meeting theirs. "Really, thank you all." With a gentle nudge from Erica, they slowly began to extricate themselves from the well-meaning throng, leaving behind a trail of happy chatter and relieved smiles.

  Adalbert, having escaped the boisterous training yard, strode through the mansion corridors, his boots echoing on the polished stone. He was determined to see if the rumour of Lady Fia's awakening was true. Spotting Mena heading in the same direction, her brow furrowed in thought, he quickened his pace to catch up.

  "Mena! Have you seen Lady Fia?" he called out, his voice a low rumble.

  Mena turned, her usual sharp gaze softened with a hint of something akin to… relief? "Adalbert. No, I was just on my way to check on her myself. You haven't see her, perchance?"

  "Not yet," Adalbert admitted, falling into step beside her. "But the maids are buzzing like… well, like disturbed hornets. Something's definitely up."

  They walked in comfortable silence for a moment, their shared purpose drawing them forward.

  Adalbert, on one side, with his gaze affixed to Mena, had a rough time hiding his feelings for her.

  It was only his luck, though, that she was rather... oblivious to such interpersonal activity.

  Rounding a corner, they spotted a cluster of servants, still animatedly talking amongst themselves. Adalbert raised an eyebrow at Mena, pointing towards the congregation.

  "Looks like we found the epicentre of the excitement," he murmured, and they approached the group.

  "Excuse me," Adalbert addressed the servants, his voice carrying a hint of authority. "Has Lady Fia been through here?"

  The servants turned, their faces alight with recognition. "Sir Adalbert!... Yes. Lady Fia and Lady Erica were just here," one of the maids replied eagerly. "They were heading… towards the Baroness' office, I believe."

  After averting her eyes, Mena thanked the Maid with a nod. "Thank you."

  Adalbert offered a curt acknowledgement.

  They exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them, before turning and continuing down the hallway, their pace now more purposeful.

  Ophilanna and Erica approached the Baroness' office, the heavy oak door firmly closed. A low murmur of voices drifted from within, piquing their curiosity. Erica gestured towards the door with a rather mischievous glint in her eyes. Ophilanna, equally intrigued, nodded in agreement. They pressed closer, straining to hear.

  "…church's interference is becoming blatant, Lady Reina," Elliot's voice, laced with frustration, was clearly audible. "Their presence on the battlefield… it's disruptive, to say the least. And those… _Priests of the Hearth_… they are unsettling."

  The Baroness' deeper voice responded, calm but firm. "I agree, Elliot. Their fanaticism borders on dangerous. We need to reinforce our borders. Then...", she paused.

  Walking around like a headless hen, the Baroness raised a concern. "There is the summons from the Queen. Why now, of all times?"

  "If I may", Elliot interrupted her, "perhaps the Queen caught wind of Gaia's message. Why she requires Erica as well, that part fully eludes me. My apologies, Lady Reina."

  "Although..." Elliot mused, "what if it's related to the skirmish? Their… _performance_ was certainly… noteworthy." There was a dry chuckle in his tone. "Though I doubt the Queen is summoning them for accolades alone. It must be the goddess' acknowledgement."

  "Why, yes.." Reina agreed, her voice thoughtful. "There's more to this, definitely. The timing is… suspicious. Especially with the church's increased activity.."

  A loud thud caught Ophilanna's notice. The Baroness seemed to put something heavy down.

  "Worst of all, the church now wants Fia..", she sighed, her worries slowly taking over.

  Ophilanna exchanged a worried look with Erica. The church? Interference? Summoned by the Queen? Their minds raced, trying to piece together the fragments of conversation.

  Suddenly, the latch of the office door clicked, and the heavy oak swung inwards. Elliot emerged, preoccupied in thought, and didn't notice the two figures pressed against the wall until it was too late. He bumped directly into Ophilanna, sending her stumbling back with a surprised yelp.

  "Apologies, Lady… Oh! Lady Fia! Lady Erica!" Elliot exclaimed, startled, his eyes widening as he took in their presence.

  Just then, Adalbert and Mena rounded the corner, alerted by Ophilanna's surprised sound. They stopped short, taking in the scene: Elliot, slightly flustered, standing in the doorway, and Ophilanna and Erica looking caught in the act.

  The Baroness' voice, laced with surprise and a hint of relief, called out from within the office. "Fia? Erica? Is that you? Are you two fine?"

  Her voice, more stern than it needed to be, stirred the girls.

  Then, Reina appeared in the doorway, her eyes widening further as she took in Ophilanna's bright, if slightly sheepish, smile. "Fia! You're awake! And… you remember?"

  "Mother!", she yelped, but before Ophilanna could fully respond, the maid from earlier rushed up, her face flushed with excitement. "Baroness! It's true! Lady Fia is awake and she… she remembers!"

  Reina's lips curved into a genuine, warm smile. "Come in, come in, all of you," she gestured, ushering Ophilanna and Erica into the office, while Adalbert and Mena followed close behind.

  The office, usually imposing in its formality, now felt warmer, filled with a shared sense of relief and curiosity. Reina gestured to chairs around her large desk. Once everyone was seated, she fixed her gaze on Ophilanna, her expression softening with genuine concern.

  "Fia, my child, we were all so worried. We weren't sure… if you would return to us."

  Ophilanna met her gaze, a small, grateful smile playing on her lips. "I'm back, mother. And I remember everything now... a lot happened. Thank you.. for your care."

  Reina nodded, her gaze then shifting to Erica, Adalbert, and Mena. "And thank you all for being here, for your unwavering support. It seems," she continued, turning back to Ophilanna, a hint of gravity entering her voice, "that your awakening comes at a… rather interesting time. Elliot was just briefing me on some… developments.” She glanced at Elliot, who stood slightly to the side. "Perhaps you should all hear what he has to say."

  The air in the office shifted, the initial relief giving way to a sense of anticipation and underlying tension. The mention of "developments" and the lingering presence of Elliot's earlier briefing hinted at something more significant, something that Ophilanna’s return, however welcome, was now intertwined with.

  -Ophilanna

  I am supposed to attend the ceremony of victory. A banquet held in the royal palace.

  "She is to be rewarded for her extraordinary effort", the letter clearly states, "and to pledge her loyalty to the Queen, in exchange for her Majesty's support."

  Truly, this is the chance of a lifetime. Erica agrees, even mother, the Baroness, does.

  Though I can't, quite yet, shake this uneasy feeling in my bones. With two in me, as I am one, it all feels... so eerily familiar, though a finger I can't place on it yet.

  "How's it going", the door basically flew open, "you still mulling over the letter?", Erica prodded me. Her arms, thrown around me, she came quite close. For a friend, at least.

  But, for what it's worth, I really enjoyed her closeness. So Erica could do as she wished.. provided she kept her hands to herself.

  For now, at least. My mind was preoccupied with far graver a thing than that.