48 Ask Now

HAELAN'S POV

That's the most irresistible invitation I've had in my life. If only I'm not acting as a man, I would have mistaken that as an intimate invite. For me, Stellan's mere presence is already comfortably warm even at a distance. Honestly, as a descendant of Caluso, the cold doesn't really bother me.

To avoid uneccesary argument, I just sat beside Stellan, against the log walls as he told me so. I'm too tired anyway. As I rest down, I grazed the log walls and floorboards that seemed to have visibly worned out over time. They creak at the strongest gush of the wind, and shook at every strike of thunder.

We listened to the pitter-patter of the raindrops on the thatched roof. Drips of rainwater set in through its scattered tiny holes. Everytime the wind howl, we could hear the roof peel a few straws. I don't think this hut would make it through the night if the heavy rain will not stop anytime soon.

Hugging my legs as as I lean back on the log wall, I watch Stellan right in front of me who's sitting comfortably with his both knees bent and his hands leaning back. This man is undeniably alluring as the blaze of the fire glisten on his beautiful skin. His dark blonde hair sway at the wind coming in.

"If you're dying to ask, ask now", he said as if he noticed me staring at every inch of his body.

"I just want to know.. what are the Paladins like? I saw Alesso made fire with his hands too", I asked.

Stellan grunted as if he was unentertained and unimpressed with my question. Clear as the bright clouds that brings rain in this gloomy night, this knight hate the man that I am. Why isn't it easy for men to be friends?

"Do you hate me that much.. that you can't even make a casual conversation with me?", I asked.

"I don't particularly hate you", he said in a low voice.

"Yes you do..", I looked down as I fidget with my hands. "I may be too wimpy or weak.. womanly and too gentle unlike every man you know.. but, I'm not too thick skinned to know if a person hates me", I said. Ever since Stellan and I met in Brandenburg, he have always been distant and awfully cold with his sharp tongue and disdainful remarks towards me. "If you worry too much of me being here, don't be. I won't be staying long enough", I said.

He laid down with his hands behind his head. Then he let out a soft sigh as he close his eyes. "Strenght", he uttered.

"Hmm?", I asked as I creased my brows.

"Paladins are gifted with incredible strenght. Our core energies are so powerful and scorching, we can make fire in our hands. ", he said without looking at me. "It doesn't grow like fire-breathing dragons… and we can't hit balls of fire in succession. But it's strong enough to make energy weapons to fight any kind of beasts and entities.", he explained. "We only use our powers when needed, our manna depletes the more we use our core energies.", he explained as I listen fervently.

My abilities are far more different than Paladins. Strenght isn't the best of my qualities, and it will never be my cup of tea. Even if they beat me to pulp, or threaten with a stake, I won't be as strong as this kingdom's most notorious warriors, and I will never fight back with harmful intentions.

"Energy weapons? Does it mean you can use your energy to form any kind of weapon?", I asked.

"All Paladins can use any energy weapons. Alesso can wield a sword too, even Vesta can shoot an energy arrow. It's just, we chose to use our weapon of preference at our own convenience.", he added.

"So, how does a warrior become a Paladin?", I asked.

He looked at me with creased brows. "It took us blood, sweat and years of training before the deities appreciated our hardwork and sincerity.", he said as he sat up and stared at me. "As for you, we are completely boggled, that even without proper training in Brandenburg, you were able to mysteriously draw phenomenally divine weapons using your core energy.. especially as someone who just picked out a staff from the chest", he said as he laid back down.

"Is that why you hate me?", I asked. Of course, it would be very insulting for the Paladins to encounter someone who's instantly recognized as a distinct palace warrior without going through every hardship they've had. A terrible slap on their faces.

"I don't hate you, Haelan", he dryly said.

"Then why..", I was about to ask why his eyes darken everytime he sees me yet his voice became more loud than the thunder outside.

"Any other interesting questions?", he asked as he glared at me before closing his eyes back again.

"What do you know about someone picking out a staff?", I asked. He paused for a while, and pouted his lips a few times.

"I actually have no idea, I'm not interested to know", he answered. And so I realized, Stellan don't like complicated things.

"Are you happy to be a Paladin?", I asked as if I do not know the answer. Every warrior in Brandenburg dreamt to become one, desperately and with all certainty.

He breathe deeply before he gave me a reponse. "It wasn't a dream", he surprisingly said. "No one would easily set their lives on peril just for somebody else's honor.", he said.

I gaped at his unexpected reply. It's truly startling to hear that a great man from a family of warriors wouldn't want to be a Paladin. Sacrificing too much for something you're unwilling to do takes a lot of determination and courage. "Sir Stellan, what happened with you and Galen when you were attacked by a mystic healer?", I asked. I heard from Alesso that it isn't too pleasant. Might as well, hear the truth straight from Stellan.

"Sir?", he didn't replied. "Are you asleep?", I kicked him once to wake him up. "Hey! No one can sleep that fast!", I said as he snore a little bit. I can't believe he'll leave me hanging.

Stellan built high-rise walls from me. I've seen him openly laugh and make conversations with the lords and other Paladins. He make brotherly relations with Galanthe and other knights. So I suppose, he only make close connections with people he trust and he like. I watch him sleep peacefully on the rough cold floor, a sight that I wonder when will I see again.

"Sleep tight, Black Knight", I whispered as I close my eyes and lull myself to slumber.