Chapter 23

Tyverah, a quaint, aged village nestled not too far from the more bustling town of Dydilah, clings to its simple past. Unlike its commercial neighbor, Tyverah's charm lies in its unassuming nature. The houses are small and modest, the roads uneven and rough-hewn. Only a few structures stand out—the village armory, a small clinic, and a library, each a testament to the community's quiet resilience.

Ysabel, having recently arrived, stood before a mirror, her untamed wavy hair now neatly bound in a bun. Thanks to Lilah's generosity, she'd traded the roughspun clothes of her past for softer, more comfortable dresses. Her gaze fell upon a small vanity table, where a worn leather pouch sat, a gift from Aleric. Inside, a few silver coins and a small, stone amulet rested—a charm said to offer protection to its wearer.

The memory of their parting lingered, a bittersweet echo in her mind. She recalled their final conversation, the exchange of the pouch, her hesitant refusal, and Aleric's quiet insistence.

"I, I don't think I can accept that, sir Aleric. I still have debts to you that I have to repay…"

Ysabel had protested, shaking her head. But Aleric, his expression unreadable as always, had gently taken her hand, placing the pouch in her palm.

"I'll just wait for the time when you can repay me then. Just be grateful for now," He replied, his tone impassive. His enigmatic nature continued to puzzle her; no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't decipher the depths of his character.

Several days had passed since her arrival in Tyverah. In exchange for her help with various tasks around the village, she'd been given a small cottage to call her own. A sense of quiet contentment settled over her as she went about her daily life.

This morning, she walked towards the village center, a parchment clutched in her hand, when she spotted Lilah.

"Ysabel!" Lilah called, waving.

"Ah, Lady Lilah, good morning. Did you have a good night?" Ysabel greeted, approaching her with a formal curtsy. Lilah's nose crinkled in a slight frown.

"Ysabel, it's just Lilah. I'm no lady of any status, so please, cut the formalities,"

She said, her voice warm despite the correction. She linked her arm through Ysabel's, guiding her towards the village stables.

"It doesn't seem right for me, uhm… Lilah. You are this village's healer, after all,"

Ysabel protested, feeling a little uncomfortable.

Lilah chuckled, a dry, almost mirthless sound. "I'm no one's healer, Ysabel. Tyverah isn't owned by anyone. We simply live here, a place to return to after our journeys. Each of us has our own path, our own purpose. We maintain the village, yes, but it's not a community bound by strict rules or shared ownership. It's just… a good place to be, however quiet it may seem."

Ysabel stared, utterly surprised. She'd envisioned a tightly knit community, a village united by shared purpose. Instead, she found a collection of individuals, each pursuing their own destiny, bound only by a shared space and a mutual respect for the simple life they'd carved out for themselves.

"Come, Ysabel. I'll tour you around this small place. Do you know how to ride a horse?" Lilah's demeanor shifted, her vibrant energy returning. She gestured towards the stables. "I own three horses here. I'll give one to you."

Ysabel pointed to herself, her eyes wide. "For me?"

"Of course,"

Lilah replied, leading the way into the stables. "I can't let you walk while I'm in the comfort of my horse."

Ysabel's smile faltered. "But… I-I don't know how to ride one."

A flicker of disappointment crossed Lilah's face, but it vanished almost instantly. "There's always a first time," she said, her voice encouraging. "Now come." She led Ysabel to one of her horses, a gentle mare with a calm demeanor.