Vivienne’s First Step

The thick woodland chirped with birds, rustled leaves, and occasionally yelped dogs. In her maid's attires now blended with the tawny tone of woods, Leona stood away while the nobles readied for the hunt. But then, this was more than an outing. This was supposed to be the consciously set theater for Vivienne's first, resolute move onto the stage, to finally begin her role as the heroine of a broken world.

Leona let her gaze rove the assembling group, and she found Cedric. He, as always, dominated his surroundings-as much as anyone could around all these nobles so well-attired in their riding finery. His eyes flicked to hers then, held for a moment longer than was seemly. She hastily looked away, hoping he would redirect his attention to Vivienne.

Vivienne stood nearby, a hesitant figure among the confident hunters. Her hand rested lightly on the hilt of her sword-an unusual accessory for a noblewoman at such an event. Leona had encouraged her to bring it, knowing this was her chance to shine.

Leona sidled up to her, fussing with the ribbon that tied on her cape. "You will be great," she said quietly, too softly to be overheard. "Just remember, it's not about being unafraid. It is about acting in spite of your fear."

Vivienne's lips tightened. She nodded. "I pray you are right."

"You are so much stronger than you give yourself credit for," Leona told her, squeezing her arm. "Now go out there and show them.

The hunt was begun with the trumpet, and the group broke up into smaller parties. Cedric led his team with an easy confidence, the seasoned hunter; Magnus, much to Leona's dismay, opted to ride with another group entirely. She had hoped to keep an eye on him, but for now, her focus had to remain on Vivienne.

Vivienne walked well behind Cedric's group, her steps calculated as she scanned the surroundings. She wasn't just playing her part-she was genuinely cautious.

Leona had planned this moment down to the letter. She had overheard servants discussing recent sightings of a wild boar in the area, a dangerous creature that would challenge even the most skilled hunters. It was a risk, but she needed something dramatic to force Vivienne into the spotlight.

The first hour passed uneventfully: Cedric's group brought down smaller game - a few deer, some pheasants. The air buzzed with lighthearted banter as the nobles exchanged stories of past hunts. Cedric himself seemed relaxed, though his eyes occasionally darted toward Leona when he thought she wasn't looking.

"Focus on Vivienne," she muttered under her breath, willing him to notice the heroine standing just behind him.

It was around midday when the plan started to come into action. The rustling in the bushes was the first sign, followed by the faint but unmistakable sound of snorting.

Cedric raised a hand to halt the group. "Something's nearby," he said, his voice low and commanding.

The air was thick with tension as the group readied their arms. Vivienne's hand tightened on her sword, and Leona saw the flicker of doubt cross her face.

"It's now or never," Leona whispered to herself.

The boar burst from the underbrush with a ferocity that startled even the seasoned hunters. Its massive tusks gleamed in the dappled sunlight as it charged directly toward the group.

Chaos erupted. Horses reared, and some of the younger nobles scrambled out of the way, their weapons useless in their panic. To his credit, Cedric stood his ground, fluidly drawing his sword.

But the next move was Vivienne's.

With a speed and precision that even Leona could little expect, Vivienne sprang forward, interposing herself between the boar and one of the faltering nobles. Her sword flashed as she swung it in a wide arc, the blade striking true.

The boar let out a guttural cry, staggering from the blow. It wasn't enough to fell the beast, but it bought the others time to regroup.

In an expression combining shock and admiration, Cedric moved to her side. United, they faced the creature together, their movements instinctive and harmonious in silent understanding.

From the edge of the clearing, Leona watched her heart pound. It was now-the moment that would show Vivienne, not only to Cedric but to all present, just who she was.

The boar lunged again, and it was now Cedric who dealt the killing blow. It fell in a heap, its wild charge finally tamed.

Cheers erupted from the assembled as nobles gathered around in awe from their initial fear.

Vivienne stood panting, her sword still in hand, as the adrenaline coursing through her began to subside. Cedric turned to her, his expression unreadable for a moment before softening into a rare smile.

"You were incredible," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "I've never seen anyone move like that."

Vivienne flushed, pride and embarrassment coloring her cheeks. "It was nothing," she mumbled, though the slight upward curve of her lips betrayed her pleasure at his words.

The nobles began to murmur amongst themselves, their earlier dismissal of Vivienne replaced with newfound respect. Even those who had mocked her for bringing a sword now looked at her with something akin to awe.

A surge of triumph went through Leona. This was what Vivienne needed-a moment to remind her of her own strength, to show her that she was capable of standing tall in a world that often sought to push her down.

But as she watched Cedric, her triumph was tempered with unease. His admiration for Vivienne was clear, but it was admiration for her bravery, her skill—not the romantic affection the story required.

As the group prepared to return to the estate, Cedric fell into step beside Leona.

"You knew, didn't you?" he asked quietly.

"Knew what?" Leona replied, feigning innocence.

"That Vivienne could do something like that."

Leona hesitated, then nodded. "She's stronger than she realizes. I just wanted her to see it for herself."

Cedric studied her, his gaze intense. "You have a way of seeing people, Leona. It's… remarkable."

Her heart sank at the warmth in his tone. She forced a smile. "I just want what's best for everyone.

That night at the estate, the hunting party celebrated their successful outing with Vivienne as the guest of honor and her earlier doubts now replaced by quiet confidence.

Leona remained at the sidelines, content to let Vivienne bask in the spotlight. But her mind was already turning to the next challenge.

The robotic voice had been ominously silent since the hunting trip, but she knew better than to think the countdown had paused. Time was still ticking away, and there were still so many pieces to put back into place.

As the evening wore on, Vivienne approached her, a soft smile on her face.

"Thank you," she said simply.

"For what?" Leona asked, though she already knew the answer.

"For believing in me," Vivienne said. "I don't think I could have had the courage to do it today if not for you."

Leona's chest constricted. "You had it in you all this time. I just… gave you a nudge."

Vivienne beamed, and for the first time, Leona glimpsed the sparkle of a heroine she was supposed to be.

But as she lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, Leona couldn't shake the feeling that things were still off course.

Vivienne had taken her first step, yes. But Cedric's feelings for her remained distant, detached. His heart was still pulling in the wrong direction-toward Leona herself.

And with the clock ticking down, Leona couldn't afford any more delays.

Her next move had to be perfect, or else they were doomed.