The Bitter Past

"So tell me, what do you know?" Natalia asked Matteo as they sat at an inn to get a meal and a place to rest for the night. It was in a nearby town where people mostly gather and eat. The inside is lit by candle-lights and a fireplace at the far end. There is loud talking in the room as some people start to get drunk in groups and some girls were continually ordered to serve.

"Just about what Nestore told me." Matteo answered briefly as he eat his grilled lamb and leeks.

"What did you ask him?" Natalia is eating her beef stew with carrots.

"I asked who you are, where you're from, the basics."

"Uh huh." She answered doubtfully.

"He said that he saw you lying outside the monastery gardens as a kid, and that you are raised by the church, then trained by Elena. But that's about it."

"You think you know me well-enough with that tiny bit of information?" Natalia cockily asked.

"I didn't say I know you too well." He stopped and looked at her. "Would you mind telling me your story yourself?"

"I can, but I will need a drink." Matteo asked for an ale then she continued. "I was not always Natalia. You see, my name was Nadia, born the daughter of Marco and Gianna at a town atop the monastery. I was happy back there. As a kid I grew up under my parents' guidance. They loved me, they cared for me. At some point I believe they were my heroes. They always seem to know what to do. Except for that one night everything went black. Mages were burning our houses. I can still hear them laugh as they do it. Archers just shooting freely, not caring about who they shoot at all. My father died protecting us. He tried to fight the pursuers after us. But they eventually got to where my mother and I were hiding. I will never forget her as I saw her fall from their arrows."

Matteo looked straight at Natalia. He notices how her face changes as she talk. He knew that what she feels towards the death of her parents have scarred her for life. She is the best at what she does, the toughest, but at this point he saw that she is also vulnerable.

"The moment I was left alone I traveled down the mountain until I reached the monastery gates. I was so tired I passed out right at the gardens. Nestore picked me and took me in. He knew of my sorrow but he always comforted me. He showed me ways to deal with what I feel. I felt closer to the Lord of Light through him. He then introduced me to Elena. I trained with her for years. To start anew, the elderly gave me a new name at the initiation, as a sign of rebirth I was named Natalia"

"Do you have any idea who the attackers might have been?" Matteo asked.

"The men we saw earlier, they were wearing the same uniforms as them."

"Really?"

"Yes. But I know so little. I have been looking since my training but still, nothing. You say they weren't from here. Where were they from?" Natalia thinks of possibilities.

"I have no idea. You have to be careful though. They might be powerful enemies. We rarely know nothing of the men we deal with."

"They surely are. Regardless I have to put an end to their schemes. Whatever they are planning."

"I take it that this mission you're going to will take you somewhere closer to all that?" Matteo went curious.

"I honestly don't know what's in this." Natalia took out the letter Nestore gave her. "Signore only asked that I give it to a Knight Tigreal of the Moniyan Empire. He's in the capital so I hope I'll find something there. What about you? Where are you supposed to go?"

Matteo's face suddenly went straight, "Will you be mad if I say I lied to you about going on a mission?"

"You lied to me?" Natalia asked and drank an ale, as if she is not surprised.

"You're not going to let me go with you. Sorry, okay. I didn't mean to lie." Matteo seemed genuine enough to her.

"I knew you were lying. I said I am going to deliver a letter yet you insisted. What small reason you could have for insisting." Natalia smirked and drew herself closer to him. "You better not lie to me again, they didn't call me the number one assassin for nothing. That should scare you at least."

"I am scared now." Matteo nervously laughed. "You really are scary."

"Only when I need to be." She took another sip.

"I disagree with that statement." Matteo chuckled.

The two continued to talk with one another as they let the night pass. And as days go by she grew closer to Matteo she never knew is possible.