Theron's Help

One day, Calla was walking home from the mountains burdened with some nipa leaves and a few bamboo sticks dragged on the ground tied up with hemp rope. It was almost noon and the sun was shining brightly with a few scattered clouds moving with the gentle breeze.

Theron just finished transacting with the cook after selling deer and boar, both fresh from his hunt in the mountains. A few of his traps lured plump animals as well.

Theron Ivar is a silent person, a bit introverted, seems cold when he is hunting, and timid when he is out in the real world. He's buffed since he has been a hunter for how many years. He has overgrown sun-kissed brown hair, stunning Nordic blue eyes, an attractive Roman nose; and overall proportional facial features.

And today, he cannot ignore the suffering of the tall and thin servant girl in front of him. He walked towards Calla.

"Hey, can I help you with that?" He asked but started taking the things from the child's hands. He took the heavier bamboo sticks.

"You're a God-sent! I was out of breath already!" She said while panting and wiping the sweat on her forehead.

"Let's go," Theron said with a smile that disappeared as soon as it appeared.

"Sorry for bothering you but you helped me a lot!"

"If you don't mind me asking, why did you bring a lot? It is dangerous if you suddenly fall on the way back since you are also alone." He asked.

"We are still in the process of renovating our little courtyard. My lady was left to tend to everything on her own. Since she is just a concubine, nobody wants to help us… Oh!" Calla immediately shut up and put her hands on her mouth. Her eyes widened in shame and helplessness.

Theron realized what she meant. However, it doesn't change the fact that this girl serves the mistress of the house and deserves his respect nevertheless.

"No worries. It was good that you told me. So I can address her properly. I didn't know I was in front of the mistress of the house before." He tried to lessen her guilt.

Calla looked up and realized it was almost lunchtime.

“Hey, let me pick up the lunch provision from the kitchen really quick.” She walked briskly and was in and out of the back kitchen in five minutes.

After a 20-minute walk, they arrived. Calla pushed the gate open easily and guided Theron in.

Meara excitedly greeted Calla and noticed Theron. She also looked at the bamboo sticks and nipa leaves and almost immediately scolded Calla for bringing so many. The poor child must be exhausted!

However, she immediately acknowledged the man behind her.

"Hello, good sir. Thank you for helping Calla."

"It's no bother, my lady." Theron addressed her respectfully.

"Theron, right?” Meara asked.

“Yes, Ma’am. Theron Ivar. Hunter, I live at the foot of the mountain.” he introduced himself.

“How many do you think are living in this courtyard?" Meara asked while pointing her index finger upwards in a twirl.

"Uh… just the two of you?" Theron answered but was confused.

"And have you seen anybody else on this far end of the property?" Meara asked again.

"N–no…?" He was increasingly dumbfounded.

"Exactly. Theron, how old are you?" She asked again.

Calla is now slowly removing the ropes and not minding the two.

"I'm turning 21 this year, my lady."

"As you may already know, I'm the concubine of this household assigned in this little courtyard with a 15-year-old servant girl. Needless to say, we're the outcasts. Nobody will care how we do things here as long as I fulfill my duties." Meara stopped for a while. When she still can see the confusion in Theron's eyes, she continued.

"I'm Meara Haelan. Pleased to meet you, Theron. Just call me Meara here since it's just the three of us. You’ve met Calla Sprig, 15 years old and the only one with me in this humble home.” she pointed at Calla who was busy with the dried leaves.

“Then I will call you Theron. Is that okay?" She finally completed what she meant.

Theron nodded slowly.

“Let’s go inside and drink water. It’s hot outside. Also, it’s almost lunch. Come and eat with us.”

Meara and Theron sat opposite each other at the dining table. Calla prepared snacks and freshly squeezed orange juice.

“I was thinking if you need me, I can lend a hand in fixing some parts of the house. Tattered walls mean it will blow cold winds at night. You might catch a cold. If it rains, your things will be damaged." He offered as he looked around the hut focusing on the incomplete walls visible to the naked eye.

Calla approached with a tray. She heard Theron’s suggestion; her eyes sparkling in anticipation and gratitude.

"If that won't hinder your livelihood, we are indebted to you. We really need a hand before the rainy season starts. But will you be able to enter leisurely?" Meara said worriedly.

"The cook and butler already know me anyway. The guards too are friendly with me knowing I'm the unofficial orion who delivers games. I will bring games so I can enter easily."

They discussed the parts of the house needing replacements and fixing. In Theron's thought, the roof needed immediate fixing as he looked up and saw various holes in the ceiling. He planned to bring materials for the next visit for the roof.

For now, since the tattered walls were the priority, Theron helped fix the sidewall of the kitchen and part of the bedroom wall where Meara stays. Meara and Calla ended up becoming his assistants. Calla is very worried about Meara but she insists on helping.

Before he went off, he relieved himself in the bathroom. As curiosity dictates, he went around the bathroom itself and did a bit of walking near the perimeter wall. However, something caught his eye near the darkened part of the wall where moss and some vines were growing. He walked near it and noticed a service gate about 3 ft in height and a meter wide. It has two barrel bolt gate latches from the inside. He opened the door which led to the other side of the mountains where he was hunting. He closed the service gate properly and did his best effort to return it the way it was. He said his goodbyes to the two ladies and left. He promised to come back in two days.

Calla decided to go home to his mother for the weekend. Her heart is at peace since part of the walls have been fixed. Her mistress won't be cold at night. She will return two days after since she didn't have any rest days last week.

Unfortunately, after midnight, heavy rain started to fall.