Chapter 12: Matron Myra
208 0 13
X
Reading Options
Font Size
A- 15px A+
Width
Reset
X
Table of Contents
Loading... please wait.

As Hana and I navigated the camp, we asked the scattered residents for directions to Myra’s location. Each time we mentioned her name, the responses were warm, and people nodded with a mix of respect and concern. One man waved us toward a larger wooden building. “You’ll find her there,” he said, his voice laced with urgency. “She’s been trying to keep everything together since… well, you know.”

I exchanged a glance with Hana, a sinking feeling in my stomach as we approached the rough structure. The building looked like it could fall apart at any moment, and the sight made me worry for Myra. I didn’t want to show it, but I felt a weight in my chest.

As we neared, voices inside became clearer. “How long do you think we can hold out?” a man’s voice rose above the others, sharp with frustration. “These people are banking on this envoy, Myra. Maybe they’re right. Maybe we’d be better off joining the humans and the others instead of staying under the thumb of those nobles.”

“What choice do we have?” Myra replied, her tone strained. “I’m still trying to reach the Embassy. Just because they’ve been silent doesn’t mean we give up hope.”

“Hope?” Harin scoffed. “How long do you think we can hold out? We can’t keep living like this. If you ask me, the envoy is our best shot at freedom.”

I shared a worried glance with Hana, my curiosity piqued. What was it about this envoy that inspired such hope? Did they know something I didn’t?

Before I could ponder further, I stepped inside with Hana. The atmosphere shifted instantly. Myra’s gaze snapped to us, her eyes narrowing as she took in our presence. I felt a flutter of anxiety, unsure of how to approach her.

“Miko,” I heard Hana whisper, prompting me to lower my hood.

“Who are you?” Myra demanded, her voice sharper than I expected.

Miko stepped forward, a smirk on her lips. “I’m surprised to find someone so respected in such disarray, Myra. I thought you’d hold yourself a little higher.”

Myra bristled, crossing her arms defensively. “And what do you know of my situation? It’s not easy holding this camp together.”

“Clearly,” Miko shot back, her tone playful yet pointed. “But perhaps if you took a moment to straighten up, others would see you as the leader you’re meant to be.”

Myra’s expression darkened. “Don’t pretend you know what it’s like down here. It’s not as simple as ‘looking the part.’ The nobles have locked themselves away while we struggle. It’s torturous for the people, and the only thing keeping them from tearing this place down is me.”

Miko regarded her with an unreadable expression, the playful tone dropping from her voice. “Perhaps that’s true, but maintaining a facade might help you hold onto what little hope remains.”

“Hope?” Myra scoffed. “What’s the use of hope when it’s not backed by action? I’m trying to keep everything together, but the more I fight, the more they demand.”

As Myra and Miko squared off, I felt the tension in the room thickening, ready to boil over. Suddenly, I heard a noise behind me—a sharp creak—and the door swung open quickly, revealing Katrina, her voice flustered. “What now?”

Myra turned, irritation flickering across her face. “Just three strangers barging in. The usual around here.”

Katrina shot a quick glance at me and Hana. “And who are they? You can’t just let them waltz in here unannounced." She said. Her face plastered with annoyance.

Miko arched an eyebrow, a sly smile playing at her lips. “I’m Miko, a humble servant of the embassy.”

Katrina regarded her skeptically. “Why is someone from the embassy here now?”

Miko smiled and turned to me, giving a slight bow. “My Lady, the stage has been prepared for you.”

I was taken aback, stunned into silence. The weight of her words settled over me, and I felt a rush of uncertainty.

Hana, sensing my hesitation, placed her hands gently on my shoulders and whispered, “You got this!”

I nodded slowly, absorbing the moment. Miko’s confidence and Hana’s encouragement created a striking contrast, leaving me feeling as if I were teetering on the edge. Miko embodied poise and sophistication, while Hana represented warmth and support—two sides of the same coin.

Myra’s gaze darted between us, her curiosity piqued. “What does she mean by that?”

“Only time will tell,” Miko replied, her smile enigmatic.

I hesitated, taking a step forward as I began to pull back my hood. As soon as Katrina saw my face, her expression shifted from annoyance to pure joy. “Lira!” she exclaimed, rushing toward me. Before I could brace myself, she enveloped me in a tight hug that took me completely by surprise.

In that moment, I became acutely aware of our bodies pressing together—my chest, compressed against hers, and the reminder of how much shorter I had become, acutely reflecting the changes I was undergoing. The unexpected intimacy made me feel both warm and embarrassed, a strange mixture of comfort and discomfort washing over me. I instinctively pushed her away, my heart racing. “I’m happy to see you too, but—”

Katrina laughed lightly, stepping back with her hands on her hips. “You’re always such a bundle of nerves. How are you holding up out here?”

“I’ve been better,” I admitted, glancing around the camp. “It’s… chaotic.”

“Yeah, chaotic is one way to put it,” she said, her smile fading slightly. “But I’m glad you’re here. It’s good to see a friendly face.”

Before I could say more, Myra stood up abruptly, relief washing over her features as she caught sight of me. “Lira! Thank the stars you’re safe!” She moved closer, her expression softening as she took in my appearance. “I was so worried when you didn’t return.”

“I’m glad to see you too, Myra,” I replied, feeling a rush of gratitude.

“We can’t afford to lose anyone else,” Myra continued, her tone growing serious. “Things are getting desperate out there.”

“Losing anyone else?” I echoed, concern creeping into my voice. My thoughts flickered back to the collapsing house I had helped dig out earlier, and the weight of that image took the wind out of my sails. “What’s been happening?”

“There have been fights over food and supplies. People are restless, and with the state of the camp, I fear it’s only going to get worse.” She glanced around, her worry evident.

I nodded, feeling a knot form in my stomach.

“Why don’t you take a seat?” Myra suggested, motioning to a nearby bench. I complied, relieved to have a moment to collect my thoughts. Miko and Hana remained at the entrance, casting curious glances inside.

As I sat down, I caught Katrina giving Miko a glare, her expression tight. It struck me as odd but quickly dismissed it. “By the way, these are my friends, Miko and Hana,” I introduced them, trying to bridge any tension. “They’ve been helping me.”

Myra regarded them both carefully. “Thank you for looking out for her,” she said, her tone neutral but sincere.

Miko shook her head. “Oh no, we should be thanking you for watching over her. Lira’s our responsibility,” she replied, her tone hiding an edge.

Hana, noticing the charge in the air quickly chimed in, stepping forward with a warm smile. “I’m Hana! It’s so nice to meet you both. I really appreciate everything you’ve done for Lira. She’s been through a lot, and it’s comforting to know she’s in good hands.”

Katrina’s glare softened slightly at Hana’s words, and she nodded, her arms still crossed but less rigid. “Well, just make sure she stays out of trouble,” she replied, the edge in her voice dulling a bit.

Myra turned her attention back to me. “So, how have you really been?” she asked, her gaze softening with genuine concern. “You seem… calmer than before. Healthier.”

“I’ve been adjusting,” I replied, glancing at Miko and Hana, who remained at the entrance. “Things are still strange, but I’m finding my way.”

“Good to hear,” Myra nodded. “I’m glad you’re safe. That’s what matters most.”

Katrina leaned casually against the doorframe, tilting her head with a curious smile. “And how are you getting along with… well, your changes?”

The question caught me off guard, and I felt my heart race. Nessa’s lessons echoed in my mind: maintain composure, project confidence, and deflect when necessary. I managed to give my practiced smile. “Oh, you know, just the usual adjustments,” I said lightly, hoping to sidestep the topic. “But what about you? I’ve noticed the camp has deteriorated so much. Where have all the priestesses gone?”

Katrina sighed, her expression shifting to one of frustration. “The church was turned over as an embassy to the Felinor because the royal family wasn’t comfortable with them being inside the city unless they were heavily guarded. Naturally, that wasn’t acceptable to the Felinor delegation. So, most of us are moving to the city until we can figure out what to do next.”

I felt a swell of pride at my deflection, a testament to the conversation skills I’d been honing. “That’s a lot to take in,” I replied, impressed by how much she had opened up.

But just as I was congratulating myself, she fixed me with a serious look. “Lira, don’t change the subject,” she said firmly, her gaze locking onto mine. “Has everything been explained to you? Because there’s a lot more to being—”

I interrupted her, my calm exterior masking the panic churning within. “If you’re concerned, we can talk about it privately later.” My voice was steady, but my heart raced as I felt the weight of her words.

Katrina held my gaze, her expression unreadable as she considered my response. I half-expected her to press further, but to my surprise, she relaxed slightly and gave a small nod.

Myra cleared her throat, her tone softening. “Well, just know, if you need someone to talk to… I’m here.” Her hand briefly brushed my shoulder, a gentle reassurance.

“Thank you,” I said quietly, feeling a flicker of warmth at her kindness. Despite everything, Myra had always been there, unwavering, even when I hadn’t asked for it.

Katrina crossed her arms, giving me an appraising look. “It’s been nearly a month since you… changed, Lira. There are some, uh, pressing matters we should discuss.”

I nodded, attempting to look serious. “Yes, you’re right. There’s so much happening.” I tried to keep the nervousness out of my voice, wondering what she meant by ‘pressing matters.’

I nodded, trying to put on a serious expression, but before Katrina could say more, I couldn’t hold back what had been building up inside me since I’d arrived at the camp.

“When we got here, we saw a building that had collapsed. Miko, Hana, and I helped dig a family out from the rubble.” I paused, recalling the sight of them. “The children were filthy, barefoot. They looked like they hadn’t been near a clean place in weeks. And their eyes…” My voice wavered, but I pushed through. “They weren’t even surprised—just… resigned, like this was all normal.”

Myra’s expression softened as she listened, her gaze drifting thoughtfully to the wall behind me. “It must have been difficult to see that.”

I swallowed, realizing how deeply it had affected me. “Why are things this bad, Myra? I thought the embassy was supposed to help.”

She leaned back, exhaling a weary sigh as she cast her gaze around the rough wooden structure, her expression shadowed with the weight of the past few months. “The embassy’s purpose was to act as a bridge between the Felinor and the humans, to negotiate, provide shelter, and ensure both sides felt secure. But the reality hasn’t worked out that way.”

Katrina added, her tone bitter, “Many from the human royal family see the Felinor as a threat—unpredictable and too powerful. They won’t let the Felinor move freely within the city, at least not without constant surveillance and guards. But the Felinor delegation refused, and rightly so. No one should be treated like a prisoner just for existing.”

Myra nodded, picking up where Katrina left off. “Instead, they turned the old church over to us as an embassy, thinking it would be a compromise. But that meant we couldn’t bring enough supplies, and those in power have restricted the aid that should be going to the people. We’re trying to do what we can, but…” She gestured to the camp around her. “It’s not enough.”

I felt a rush of frustration, my hands clenching at my sides. “So they’ve just left everyone to fend for themselves?”

Myra sighed, rubbing her temples. "The embassy’s been doing what it can, but it's nowhere near enough. People are angry. They feel like they're being forgotten by those who should be protecting them."

Miko nodded thoughtfully. "That’s understandable. People only see what’s happening here. Without the full picture, it’s hard not to feel abandoned."

Katrina gave Myra a sympathetic look. "They may be angry, but they know what you’re doing for them, Myra. Some even call you 'Matron' now, because you’ve been there when no one else has."

Myra’s mouth twitched in a half-smile, though there was exhaustion behind it. "A title doesn’t bring them the food they need, or keep them safe. I can only do so much."

Katrina sighed. "And it’s still not enough—not with the Felinor fearing human retaliation and the royal family holding back. Without strong support, resources will always be limited. We need someone on the inside, someone who can speak for those out here, to be their voice."

Their words weighed heavily on me. "I want to help," I murmured, glancing between Myra and Katrina. "But… I don’t know what I can actually do. Nessa has me training every day, and… I doubt I’d be much use."

Myra shrugged, casting a look at Katrina. "Honestly, Lira, there isn’t much you could do without risking yourself."

Katrina sighed. "If this envoy does open any doors, that could be something. But keeping everyone calm until then is going to be… challenging."

Hana leaned forward, her eyes brightening with an idea. "But Lady Murasakikiba’s a noble. Surely, that counts for something here. Maybe she could use her status to help, or at least pass along messages to the embassy."

Katrina and Myra shared a hopeful glance, but Miko’s face darkened slightly. "My one duty is to protect Lady Murasakikiba," she said firmly. "I can’t allow her to do anything that would endanger her position or her safety." Miko softened, seeing the disappointment flicker across my face, and added, “However, we could potentially… help with something small. Perhaps gathering information about supply needs or areas where aid could be distributed.”

Myra raised an eyebrow, glancing at Katrina. "That could be useful, actually. We need all the support we can get, even if it’s subtle. Lira, even small gestures would be a great help."

The informal use of my name made Miko bristle, though she held her tongue, knowing they didn’t understand the full context. Relieved, I nodded, grateful for even a small chance to make a difference.

As we prepared to leave, Katrina and Myra pulled me into quick hugs, offering grateful smiles. Miko stayed back, her expression a mix of relief and exasperation. Just as we stepped outside, Hana lingered by the door, turning back to Myra and Katrina with a hushed tone, though I caught her words.

"One last thing," she warned. Her cheerful demeanor tempered. "If anyone finds out that Lady Murasakikiba left the embassy… it’d mean trouble for all of us. Best if today just… never happened."

Myra gave a solemn nod. "Understood. We’ll keep this between us. Thank you."

Miko cast a final, scrutinizing glance over her shoulder as we walked, her posture tense, clearly hoping they’d take the message to heart.

 

13