Below the Peak (Sola)(8)

“You were quite brave to take his water pouch” someone murmured close to her. Nara twisted her head to see who it was. It was the red head boy again. So, he had seen her begging? He stared at her. She studied him. He had a friendly face, not too hard nor too soft just in between.

“I was thirsty.” She said.

“Weren’t we all”. Hagen stated, his lips stretching to a small grin. “I might just do what you did if he makes us run as he has done today.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Nara said cautiously.

“You’re a probably right. Just thinking of the Captain, sends shivers down my spine.” the little shakes of shoulders made Nara find him comical. Nara glanced forward and saw she was next in line. She took the bowl and spoon from the table and moved along to receive the food. She was given a serving of potatoes, a leg of chicken and greenies. The quivering feeling arose again as she stood with a plate in hand and eyes shifting across the dining to find a place to sit. She searched for an empty table, but all the tables were occupied. There at the far end corner, sat two girls eating. She remembered seeing the girls, in the girls’ quarters when they had been shown where they would be sleeping in on recruitment day. Chewing on her bottom lip, Nara walked toward them.

“Pardon, would you mind if I sit here?” Nara asked them, holding her breath tightly in her chest. The one with short dark hair glanced up. “No, I don’t. You can sit.” Relief washed over her as she sat next to the girl who answered. She kept silent and ate. After having a few spoons, the girl across her spoke. “I’m sure surprised and impressed. I had first thought the food choice would be terrible and taste bland.”

“I had thought the same too,” the short haired girl said, eating another spoon of potatoes. She glanced at Nara. “What do you make of it?”

“It does taste good” Nara replied and ate another spoon to hide her nervousness.

“I am Isabel, what are your names?” the girl across asked.

“My name is Risa” the girl beside Nara answered. The two girls’ eyes turned to her.

“I’m Nara” she offered quickly.

“Are you all from here?” Nara asked, trying to engage and be less quiet. Just then, a woman in military uniform entered the hall. The room fell silent as she strode to the front and faced them. Nara remembered her as the woman from the assembly that had commented about the captain intimidating the recruits. She had silver wolf pin too on her jacket, showing she was a member of the Elite.

“I am Astrid captain’s Barra second in command,” the lady said, her keen eyes moving across the room. “and the one who is going to be teaching you archery in days to come.” The lady smirked when the boys looked at her with suspicious eyes as the girls eyed her with admiration. These young kids didn’t know what was in store for them. Astrid snorted in her mind. “You are to bath and clean your rooms. We will be coming to inspect shortly” she instructed. She gave them one last glance then left.

“Thank gods. I was wondering when they were going to let us a bath.” Risa said as she stood. “Let us go. You heard what she said about inspection” she added, motioning to Nara to start walking.

That’s how Nara found herself trailing the two girls as they hurried to their sleeping quarters. Their bunk beds and properties they could bring were in the last wing of the three wings. Surprisingly, they were the first to get in the room when Risa opened the door. Nara had thought she would find other girls in already. Nara walked toward the polished wooden trunk beside the bed below and opened it with a key hanging on the thin gold chain hidden beneath her tunic. Nara stared at the clothes and stuff in the trunk, hesitating to pick the thick folded white linen cloth. She had never bathed with anyone. The thought of doing that, left her feeling very uncomfortable. The last time she had was when she was too young, and her stepmother cleaned her. She pinched her nose, hating how her stomach was churning. She wanted to break from her skin. This was too much.

“Hey, why are you still dressed?” Isabel called, startling her and pulling her from her head. Nara twisted around to look at the two girls who shared a bunk bed. She blinked when she saw them wrapped in drying linens and holding long white chemises. Their uniforms folded and kept on their beds.

“Are you that shy? It’s just us girls. Hurry up before the room is crammed” Isabel laughed. Nara swallowed and just stood there.

“Have you never bathed in public hot springs before?” Risa’s eyes narrowed curiously.

“You go ahead I’ll be there in a moment.” Nara managed to say.

Isabel nodded while Risa gave her another look before walking away. Nara waited until the girls were gone then undressed quickly and wrapped the thick cloth tight around her body. She had no choice, between letting herself remain in filthy sweat and bathing among other girls, she’d rather choose the latter. Nara picked the chemise and soap, locked the trunk and wore the chain again. She took a breath and walked to the bathing area, passing other girls who were now coming in the quarters along the way. When she walked in the room, she found the two girls were chest deep in the water. She placed the chemise on a bench and faced the girls, “May you please close your eyes?” Their expression turned absurd.

“Why?” Isabel asked as Risa jested “There is nothing you have that we don’t have or haven’t already seen.” Nara’s ears turned red but still insisted. “Please just do it.” Risa rolled her eyes then closed her eyes as did Isabel. She took off the towel, folded it, placed it on the rock neatly and took the soap. She quickly walked and sank in the water. “You can open your eyes again.”