“Azel,” Sekh spoke up as we were walking towards the inn. “I’m sorry.”

Huh. What’s she apologizing about? What the hell is going? 

“I’m sorry about getting so upset with you about hiding your name,” she continued. 

Oh it’s that. Why is she apologizing now though? It’s already been six days. She could have just swept it under the rug and I’d forget about it. 

“I overreacted when I found out you were hiding your identity,” she further explained.

“I agree," I replied.

"Hey, you weren't supposed to agree with me,” Sekh complained. “But that's besides the point. I just admired you so much when we met. So in a way, I raised my standards for you too much.”

“Really?” I asked dumbfounded. 

“I was… sort of infatuated with you,” Sekh said awkwardly. “I thought you were really heroic, dependable, and kind when I first met you. Like the heroes I used to hear about as a little girl.” 

I couldn’t help but burst out laughing. “I can’t believe you thought that. You’re actually so fucking weird.”

Sekh glared at me. “I don’t want to hear that from the guy who got rejected by more than fifteen women.”

Did she really have to go that far? And did I really anger her that much?

“Those are acceptable numbers considering the scale," I said without bothering to elaborate. “Anyways what exactly did Zeno tell you about me?”

“A lot…” Sekh said with a deadpan look.

“Come on, I want details,” I encouraged her.

“You won’t like it,” Sekh sighed. “He told me about his experience with you during the war. How you’re rude, self centered, and possibly narcissistic.” 

“Anything positive?” I asked with disappointment.

“Well he did say that you’re surprisingly hard-working and competent,” Sekh replied. 

Honestly, I was pretty much expecting this description. I guess I was just curious if he decided to be a little softer this time.

“I guess I can understand where he’s coming from,” I said begrudgingly. “I’m sure when he met me I seemed like some shitty brat. 

“But he seemed like he was rather fond of that shitty brat,” Sekh commented. “There was a lot of disappointment and some exasperation. But he definitely cared about you. He even asked me to help you out with your personal issues.”

“I guess the old man is going senile,” I remarked warmly. “Anyways, do you plan on calling me Azel now? It might be a bit of an issue when we meet other people.” 

“You’re still planning to use a fake name?” Sekh sighed.

“Well I plan to go back to using my old name eventually,” I informed her. “But I want to wait a while for tensions to die down.”

“I get it,” Sekh said while shrugging her shoulders. “If you’re not ready yet it’s fine. But let me call you by your real name in private.” 

“Is it really that special to you?” I asked with a wry smile.

“Yup,” Sekh answered cheerily. “Besides you need to eventually tell people about your identity. Sooner or later they’re going to ask why you look like the hero of the spear and have superhuman abilities.”

I scratched my cheek in embarrassment for not having thought things through. “That's...a fair point.”

When I arrived back at the Silverstream Inn, the young man at the counter looked at me in surprise. To be fair, I did just disappear for more than a week and come back with another person. 

“Welcome back,” he said as he bowed. “You still have four days left for a single room, but would you like to upgrade to a room with two beds?”

Before I could answer Sekh spoke. “There’s no need for that, we’re fine sharing.”

“Are you sure about this?” I asked Sekh as we climbed up the stairs.

“I don’t mind. I used to share a bed with lots of siblings back home.”

“Pretty sure I’m nothing close to your sibling.” 

“I’d feel bad about making you spend extra money for my room.”

“But don’t you have your own money that Zeno gave you as compensation for your sentence?” 

“Yeah, but I don’t want to waste money on a lonelier room and a colder bed.” 

Well it’s no use trying to understand her thought process. Within a short period of time the two of us had put on our sleepwear and crawled into bed. I happen to be the winner of the partition after claiming three-fifths of the bed. 

“How come you’re facing the opposite way?” Sekh teased. “Is this your first time in bed with a girl?”

“No, I just think it’d be rude if I poked you with my dick.” I told her casually. 

Out of curiosity, I turned my head to the other side to see her reaction. She was already blushing before, but when we made eye contact she swiftly rolled to the side. 

“Looks like a win for me,” I chuckled.

“You’re the worst,” Sekh replied with a rather contrary tone.

Before long, I had fallen asleep. I have to admit, the bed actually does feel more comfortable with another person. Maybe I only feel this way because it’s a cute girl. Or perhaps it’s because it’s a cute girl I’m slowly growing fond of.

When I woke up, I found myself in a predicament. I’m currently being used as a hug pillow by a peacefully snoring Sekh. Maybe she thought I was a sibling or something. Regardless, it does feel quite nice. I think I can go back to sleep for a few more minutes. 

Just like I had expected, I woke up a few hours later. And just like before, I could still hear Sekh snoozing by my ear. With the utmost precision, I slipped out of her grasp and got out the bed. 

My efforts were completely wasted since she ended up waking up anyways. 

“Nyah,” Sekh yawned. “Is it morning already?”

“It’s been morning for a while,” I told her. “Come on and get dressed, we’ll head to the public baths after.” 

Turns out we woke up late enough that the lines to the baths were fairly short. Entry to the bathhouse costs 1 nummus per person, but the bathhouse is quite well maintained. I also gave them our laundry which they charged us 1 nummus. 

“Are you sure about paying for this?” Sekh asked. “I have my own money too.”

"It’s fine, your hygiene is just as much my concern as it is yours,” I answered. “Now let’s go get breakfast.”

On a side note, the inn doesn’t charge extra for two people sharing a room. However, I’m paying an extra 4 nummi a day for meals. 

“Can I get scones and warm milk?” I asked the waitress when I entered the dining area.

Sekh looked a little annoyed for some reason. “You don’t need to order for me, you know?”

“Who said it was for you?” I shot back at her.

Sekh gazed at me dumbfounded. Then she started to laugh. “Scones and warm milk? No way. I can’t believe you’re eating such a cutesy breakfast.”

“It just reminds me a lot of my childhood,” I said with a shrug.

“Really?” Sekh began to joke. “I always imagined that child you would be eating things like wild animals and army rations.”

I’m really starting to question what image of me she has in her head. “Well I used to wake up really early to train when I was young. I’d always finish training and go to breakfast before the cooks were finished making it. This old lady seemed to like me so she gave me leftover pastries and some milk while I waited. I guess it kinda stuck with me from there.”  

“That’s…actually really surprising,” Sekh replied in astonishment. 

The waitress then returned with my food in hand. The scones even had a few bits of fruits like apples and berries in them.

“What will you be having dear?” the waitress asked Sekh.

“I...I’ll have what he’s having,” Sekh replied nervously.

“So does this also remind you of your childhood?” I teased Sekh. 

“In a way,” Sekh responded while scratching her chin. “The village I lived in only ever baked bread. So it was really special when my father would come back from human cities with pastries for us. I remember that me and my siblings would always fight over it and father would scold us.”

“Makes sense,” I responded. “Come to think of it, I never really asked about your family. You mind telling me about them?”

A smile blossomed on Sekh’s face and her ears sprung up excitedly. “Well my father is one of the most skilled warriors and hunters in the village. He also has two wives. So I have two older sisters and a younger brother from my own mother and an older brother and two younger brothers on my stepmom’s side.”

“You seem like you have a good relationship with your family,” I remarked while grinning.

“Yeah, but I’m a bit sad I couldn’t attend one of my older sister’s weddings. What about you and your family though?”

“I... have a family. Haven’t really talked with anyone in more than two years though.” 

“Do you have a bad relationship with them?” Sekh asked while frowning.

“It’s better to say we don’t really have a relationship,” I remarked. 

“I...I’m sorry about asking. I didn’t know it was a sensitive topic for you.”

“It’s really not. I was raised by a different family anyways.”

Sekh looked at me in astonishment. “Really? You’re saying it like it’s normal.”

“It really is,” I told her. “Most noble children go to another household as a page after they reach the age of 7. If they like you enough you get to be a shield bearer and serve a warrior when you’re 13 or 14. Don’t they have traditions like that in Fars too?”

“Maybe. But I don’t know that much about the human nobles apart from the cavalry patrols that would sometimes stop by my village.”

We continued the rest of our breakfast making idle talk. Our next plan for the day was to buy equipment for Sekh so that she could do mercenary work with me. The first stop was a well-known blacksmith.

“Welcome,” the burly middle aged man greeted us as we entered. “If you need anything feel free to ask my assistants.”

His two assistants immediately approached me, paying no mind to Sekh. I would complain, but I think I might be the very spitting image of their customer base. 

Me and Sekh spoke at the same time. “I’m not the one buying today.” “I’m the one buying.”

Slightly confused, the assistants quickly spun around and began offering Sekh a variety of arms to try out. 

In the end, Sekh picked out a pair of javelins, a short spear, a dagger, and a round rawhide shield. The total cost was 3 denarii, but the money came out of Sekh’s pocket. 

After that we got lunch and did some shopping on the side. Sekh got measurements for a gambeson which should be ready in two days. I also spent 5 denarii on spices for travel while Sekh purchased camping supplies for herself. 

Our last stop for the day was a horse merchant. I chose a packhorse, while Sekh was busy trying out different riding horses.

“Hey,” I called out to Sekh. “Why are you only trying the cheap horses?”

“Well I’m almost out of money,” Sekh replied shyly. 

To put it frankly, Sekh doesn’t know how to ride a horse. It’s probably a wise investment if I can find her a horse with a good temperament. 

When I strolled over to the higher end side of the stable, the merchant began to greedily approach me. 

“It looks like your companion is struggling a bit,” the man remarked. “I think this horse here will be perfectly suited for her.”

The horse in question was a mare and the sign on the gate indicated that she was a palfrey. Compared to the other horses, this one definitely seemed suitable for someone like Sekh. 

“How much for her?” I asked.

“For you dear customer, I’m offering a discount of 14 solidi.”

As expected, he’s trying to scam me. He probably saw how inexperienced Sekh was and is now trying to capitalize off that.

“You mind if I try out the palfrey?”

“Go ahead,” the merchant said with a sleazy smile.

I opened the gate for the stall. In a single motion, I swung myself atop the horse. I quickly rode out the stable onto a large track where customers would test out the horses. 

I have to admit, the merchant was definitely right about this horse being good. I was even able to do a few tricks within a short time. My plan was to do a bit of performance to put the merchant in his place, but this palfrey was an incredible partner. 

“Sekh,” I called after climbing off the mare. “I’d like you to try this horse out.”

I helped her up onto the saddle and led the horse around on the track for a while as Sekh got a feel of the mare. 

“What do you think?” I asked her.

“I really like this horse,” Sekh remarked. “But I can’t afford it you know?”

“That’s fine. I’ll buy it for you, just think of it as a gift. If anything it’ll allow us to travel faster.”

Sekh looked at me with nervous eyes. “ I’m sorry but I can’t accept such an expensive gift from you.”

“Look, I don’t think you should use one of those cheaper horses. Either you’ll get thrown off or be barely faster than on foot. If it really bothers you, you can just pay me back later.”

“I guess.”

After hearing her reply, I walked over to the merchant. Compared to before, the man looked quite anxious. 

“Sorry but I don’t think that palfrey is worth 14 solidi,” I told him sharply. “6 solidi is a fair price.”

It really isn’t but I want to milk this man for what he’s worth.

“Come on now,” the man argued nervously. “How about a special price of 9 solidi?”

“Seven.”

“How about eight?”

“I’ll take it for 8 solidi if you throw in a saddle, stirrups, and reins.”

The two of us stared at each other for I don’t know how long. Finally, the merchant gave in. “Alright, I’ll take your payment at the counter.”

When he turned around, I couldn’t help but smile. After that, we returned to the inn with the two new horses in tow which will cost me 2 more nummi a night.  

“Sekh, we still have some time before dinner. If you’re not tired, we should do some practice riding outside the city for a bit.”

“Oh. Well I think I can practice for a while.” 

As I led our horses out the gate, I showed Sekh how to properly lead her horse using her reigns. The gently sloping grasslands and flat roads outside of Jericho made for a good training ground. 

“Alright,” I began. “Would you like me to demonstrate to you how to mount your horse or do you want me to guide you?”

“Both would be good,” Sekh replied awkwardly.

Well, it can’t be helped. Compared to the other mortal races, humans have always had a closer connection to horses. Apparently the god of the sea Tiam, who created humans, was also the god of horses. Doesn’t really make sense since I’ve never heard of a seahorse, but my personal experience does confirm that humans really are just better with horses. 

Before long, I was gently helping Sekh onto her new horse.

“Remember to use the stirrups as you’re mounting, that’s what they’re there for.”

After a while, Sekh managed to mount her own horse without my help, albeit clumsily.

“We’ll start out slow today,” I said as I began to adjust her posture with my hands. “Remember to keep your back straight and look forward.” 

I found myself enjoying teaching quite a bit. Given enough time, I’m confident that Sekh should become a competent rider.

When we got back to the stable, I decided to have another lesson with Sekh on grooming and feeding the horses. It’s important that she learns that a horse is just as much a partner as a person can be. 

After tending to the horses and washing our hands, we went to dinner. On the menu today was roast chicken and vegetables along with bread and vegetable soup. 

“Azel, how come you know so much about horses?” Sekh asked as we waited for our food.

I looked at her in astonishment. “I’m a noble you know? It’s just part of the things we learn.”

Sekh gazed back at me in confusion. “But when I was in the army, the nobles I saw weren’t really as hands on as you were. They mostly had servants do all this for them.”

“You probably only saw lazy idiots,” I told her. “Every functioning Azadan in the Marches could do what I did.”

“That makes sense. Most of my regiment’s officers seemed more like armchair generals.”

“Seriously? I thought most beast folk troops in the Zayid army were highly valued as scouts.” 

Sekh looked at me with a sad smile. “The higher ups favored a rival village, so the soldiers from my clan received discriminatory treatment.” 

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“It’s fine. Even if our treatment was bad, I’ve seen human contingents go through much worse. But back on topic, were you good compared to other riders? I don’t really have a comparison."

I put my chin on my hand and thought for a bit. “Well when I was under the wing of a high ranking Azadan, I was pretty much one of the best riders in the whole region. But when I fought in the war there were plenty of people who were at my level or higher. I guess you could say I’m among the very best for my age.” 

Sekh smiled at me. “You are pretty cool sometimes.”

“Sometimes?” I jested. “Pretty sure it’s most of the time.” 

“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” Sekh joked back. 

After eating, we did some weapon and armor maintenance before going to sleep early. Sekh was tired and just dozed off immediately, but I found myself struggling to sleep for once. 

I can’t remember how long it’s been since I’ve had this much fun with someone. I wonder how things will be in the future.