Winterfall

~Maria Point of View~

I sighed as I knew he worried about that. I didn’t like Marcel. I hated him. He tormented me. Made me uneasy. However, there were some parts of him that were sweet and kind that made him somewhat tolerable.

I love you Théoden. But you scared me just now. I thought you were going to die!

I know and I am truly sorry. I will make this up to you.

You better.

“Let me heal both of you first before we leave okay?” Both men looked at me but eventually agreed to let me help heal what was left of their wounds. Both had walked up to me at this point and knelt down in front of me.

“Better.” I patted both of their knees and they both had kneeled in front of me.

“Thank you Princess, I must get back to work now. Enjoy your day.” Théo spoke as he motioned his guards to come forth and continue their training.

I gave him a glare. You better not fight any more today. Let the guards spar each other. You need rest.

Of course.

I meant it Théo. Or I will put you on bed rest again.

I won’t fight today if I don’t have to.

Better not.

“Shall we continue our adventure? If you are feeling alright?” I asked Marcel with a smile.

“Let’s carry on.”

Once we left the arena we walked the remainder of the second ring and eventually entered the third ring. The third ring in the district was a mix of noble and middle class folk. The noble here were more friendly in comparison with those in the outer ring. They didn’t judge those around them and were more open to others in the community. In general, they were less stuck up than most of the nobles.

For the middle class that resided here, the ring consisted of those who didn’t come from old families, nor did they come from the wealthiest groups. Here is were a bunch of the guards lived, guards like Jasper and Quinn. In this ring there were more humble gestures, like them willing to aid each other, give when they can, and look after each other.

I’m not saying the nobles don’t do this, but most seemed to disapprove of this course of behavior. Some even thought of this behavior as criminal.

Thankfully for me, I was raised by two parents who taught me to show kindness and respect. Something, I had true even to this day. There was a saying my father would often say and that is, “those in your kingdom will take after their ruler. If you show them love, in time, they will follow.” Now, not everyone shared the same viewpoint but I knew a lot of them did.

“History lesson?” I looked up at Marcel with a glisten of curiosity.

“Sure.”

“There are plenty of strong families in this ring. I will list three like I did the last. The first one is Demirci. this is a clan of orcs known for their blacksmith skills. They have a shop in every ring of the kingdom and their shop is called The Burning Mantle. The stores get passed down from generation to generation as members of the clan pass. Their items range from magically enhanced to normal weapons and shields. Théo himself has had several items crafted by them over the years.

“The second one is Nasution. A family of elves that enchants items. They work alongside Pari when it comes to crafting the best enchanted items. They work alongside many businesses in providing services for enchantments and take a good portion of the profit. Their business so to speak is called The Traveling Enchantress.

“And thirdly is Reid. This family consists of a bunch of gnomes that craft some of the finest wine in the kingdom. Some of their brews sell across the seven rings and are very popular. They are responsible for some of the elven wines and well known meads. One fact about them, they keep their recipes hidden from anyone and everyone. It is a secret they claim will die with their family. Their brewing business is called The Short Spouts.

“So, darling, where are you taking me in this ring?” Marcel questioned as we entered deeper into the third ring.

I thought about it for a moment, “how do you feel about stopping by one of the taverns here for a drink to try some of The Short Spouts brew?”

“After that play fight, sure.”

Marcel let me lead him to one of the local tavern’s called Pearls. Not my typical go to place but the place was well kept and not as busy. Which was good on our part.

Upon entering the tavern the atmosphere is cozy but the stench of wine and urine kind of lessens the effect. The lights were dimmed, to a point where darkvision was almost a requirement to enter the establishment. The bar itself was decently crafted and the stools were not comfortable once we took our seat.

The back wall was aligned three tiers high with various types of alcohol and on the counter beside the wall, resided three mysterious kegs of beer.

“Princess Maria and King Marcel? What a pleasant surprise, please sit.” A human male spoke as he cleaned a glass. “What can I get for you?”

“Do you have any of The Short Spout’s brews in stock?” I glanced over at the shelves and recognized a few bottles but wasn’t sure if they were displayed or for actual use.

“Of course! What can I pour you? Wine or Mead?”

“Surprise me.”

The bartender nodded and grabbed two shot glasses. “Mead it is.” He grabbed a bottle from the top shelf. I knew one thing at least, the top shelf was the strongest stuff.

Sorry dear.

I wanted to warn Théo. At least that way he had a heads up in case he was doing a round.

Drinking? Is this because of the fight?

No. I just wanted it to take the edge off. I’ll behave.

Sure you will. Lucky for you, I am close by in case something happens.

I thought I felt you following me.

Is it a crime that I want to make sure you are safe?

You trust me don’t you?

Yes. It’s him I don’t trust, Maria.

I waited a moment before I responded again, making sure Marcel wasn’t talking. By this point the bartender gave us both our shot glasses.

“Shall we do a toast?” Marcel questioned. I could feel a bit of magic trying to take hold but failed due to my necklace.

Instead of responding to him or Théo, I just took the shot and drank it in under ten seconds. “Nope.” My face cringed a bit as the taste of alcohol was very evident. Much stronger than I was thinking. I swear there had to have been eighty percent or more in this one shot.

Marcel looked at me with wide eyes, “well, I wasn’t expecting that.” Marcel downed him without a reaction on his face.

“Let me know if you two want another round.” The bartender went back to washing glasses. Leaving us to our bidding.

I’d advise you not to drink another. I have taken a bit, but those drinks can knock us both out.

Understood.

And Maria, please be careful.

I will. Prom…

I lost my train of thought as Marcel pulled me into his body. “Why can’t I get through to you?”

“I…” I stopped myself from answering him.

He’s trying to fish for information about Maria. Using your toxicity as an advantage point.

I understand that much. I may be buzzed but I’m not totally wasted.

Are you sure about that?

Yes? No? Yes.

Théo laughed, my point exactly. Are you alright with me taking a bit more away from you so you can think more clearly?

I…I yes.

He was quick to remove more of the effects from the shot. Allowing me to think more clearly.

“No reason. Let’s get going shall we?” I gave the bartender thirty gold. Which took him by surprise.

“Thank you Princess.”

“You are not going to answer me are you?”

“I don’t have to answer you Marcel.”

“If you are going to be my wife…”

“Let me cut you off right there, I may have to be your wife, but I don’t have to listen to your orders.”

With that I walked out leaving him stunned.

I began to walk around the middle class district or our fourth ring in our kingdom and took in the surroundings once more. This ring consisted of those that hold steady jobs and are able to maintain their homes and families without too much issue. The homes here are typically single story homes with the occasional two story. Each home is pretty simple to build with the basic necessities.

The businesses here are more simple than those in the outer rings. A lot of businesses here consist of multiple stands. There are several potion stands, art stands, food stands, and more. There are normal businesses too like Potions Galore, Books and Knacks, Twists and Vines, and Sweet Teeth.

In this ring, Théo’s office was present. Which most called The Captain’s Quarters.

Meet me in my office, please.

His voice was concerned but firm.

Should I wait for Marcel?

I glanced back as he still had yet to leave Pearls.

Just tell him where you are heading.

I went back into Pearls and walked over to him as he had another drink in his hand. “I need to stop by Théo’s office.”

He let out a long sigh, “Of course you do.”

“You are more than welcome to come to Marcel.”

“I think I have taken enough of your time today. You can find me back at the castle.”

“Are you sure? We still have a lot of daylight left.”

At this point it was three in the afternoon. This whole day has been a bit weird, so maybe it will be a good thing to split ways now. Especially if he had more drinks after I walked out.

“I’m sure. You don’t want to deal with me while I am wasted anyways. Never good company.”

“And you are normal?”

He reached for me and pulled me close to him, “normally I don’t get rejected by my lover.”

“I thought you didn’t have lovers?” His statement confused the shit out of me.

“You are my lover Maria. Crimson is my lover. And even she is ignoring me right now.”

The smell of alcohol stinged my nose. “How many did he have after I walked outside for five minutes?”

The bartender started counting on his fingers, “Six? I think. And it isn’t the weak stuff either.” The bartender pointed to the bottle of mead that he used on our first round of shots.

“Cut him off.”

“Don’t listen to her.” Marcel growled as he tried to cuff my mouth with his hand.

I glared at the bartender and bit down on Marcel’s hand. “Ouch.” He quickly pulled his hand away.

“Cut him off.” The bartender nodded and put the drink back on the shelf. “Thank you.”

“You bit me, you bitch.”

“Excuse me?”

Oh hell no. He did not use that tone of voice on me. Let alone call me a bitch.

“You bit me.” Marcel looked at me with a serious stare.

“You deserved it, you drunk ass.” I mimicked his tone as I spoke. “I think this is where you need to head back to the castle. I will have a guard escort you.”

“I don’t need a babysitter.” Marcel spoke as he stood up and almost fell over on me.

There two guards are close, Greg and Harry. I will direct them to you.

Thank you.

“Greg and Harry will be here shortly.”

“I don’t need a babysitter!” Marcel shouted at me, grabbing onto me with a firm grip, “I need you.” He growled.

“Need me for what?”

Marcel just stared into my eyes. His breathing was steady. His grip, tight. For myself, I remind myself to be calm. I had to otherwise I could have done far worse things to him than I should.

“You are hurting me Marcel.” I spoke low, I didn’t want the bartender to get alarmed.

He rolled his eyes, “I could kill you, but I have plans.”

“Kill me? Why?”

“Valuable, that is what you are. That is why I haven’t killed you and your pet.”

I remained steady, calm despite the situation. I knew my ring was charged, I knew Théo was taking the blunt of my emotions away.

I took a deep breath before I said anymore, “How am I valuable?” I hoped that I could gain more information but he remained silent.

Thankfully for me, he released his grip as soon as Greg and Harry walked in. “Princess, we are here to escort the King back to the castle?”

“Yes, thank you both.”

I let them handle Marcel from then on. Once they started leaving I whispered low, “Fucking bastard.” And with that I headed to Théoden's office.