67 The Curiosity

AUTHOR'S POV

"I should be asking that question", Stellan was already dipped in the water from his waist down. He remarkably come into sight as the steam reveal his carved physique.

Haelan watched uncomfortably as she stay deep in the water. If only her greed could consume her whole, she'd live a life with flattery lies than taste the bitter truth. "Well uhmm.. I'm running an errand for Madam Eleanor, I can't say no to a very nice lady", Haelan said as she keep her eyes away from the distracting Paladin.

"Oh Ellie? She is", Stellan smiled as he nod in approval. As a young squire back then, he and Alesso would always sneak in the kitchen to ask for biscuits and tarts from Eleanor. "She's even warmer than the kitchen, and sweeter than the pie she makes", he added as he curve his lips up. Haelan felt like she's struck by lightning seeing Stellan's sparkling smile. Stellan dipped his body more as he splash some water over his shoulder using his cupped hands. "How did you find me here?", Stellan asked.

"I wasn't trying to find you… Sir", Haelan answered decisively. Getting intoxicated with Stellan's captivating gaze, Haelan wrapped her arms around her shoulders and tried to keep her heartbeat at pace. With several deep breaths, she started to compose herself and find enough courage to tell Stellan that she wants to play his game.

Stellan sighed vigorously as he look around. "I've been coming here all the time, it gives me peace and time to think. It's quiet here, and keeps me sane.", he said as he place his hands on his waist.

"I couldn't agree more, this place is something", Haelan agreed. The water here is like no other, it's hotness is just enough to soothe tired muscles. "I thought you're in Agora for the festival preparations", Haelan asked.

"I was. I just had to go here and clear my head", Stellan quickly replied. It's true, he dodged another day with Haelan after what happened last night. He needed time to think about how to proceed after the reckless action he have done.

"Is it clear now?", Haelan asked.

"Not exactly", Stellan looked down at his rippling reflection in the water. Then, he seemingly draw himself closer to Haelan who's submerged comfortably in the overflowing white bubbles of water.

"You don't have to come near, I can see and hear you very clear from here", Haelan nervously said as Stellan stopped instantly from where he's standing. "Stellan.. about last night", Haelan started as she thought about a future with Stellan.

"Last night was dreadfully insane. It was totally out of bounds", Stellan blurted out. "At first… I thought I know what I was doing.. but then I do not know better.", he said as he look down.

"Hmm?", Haelan gasped and left her mouth open. Her heart drop as she struggled to listen at every word Stellan says for it seemed like it wasn't good to hear at all.

"You confuse me", Stellan said. "There's something about you defies typical attraction. When I see you, you cloud my mind like you're the only person I see in the world", he added as he swept his dark blonde hair back.

"I have always thought you hated me", Haelan said as she focused her gaze on Stellan's face. Her lips trembled despite the hot waters run through her skin.

"I'm sorry if you think that I hate you despite I do not.. it's easier for me to be remotely acquainted, than to see myself unusually enamored with a man", he said as he stare back at Haelan. "My confusion led to my curiosity, and for that, I apologize for kissing you.", he said.

All the words Haelan planned to say quickly vanished like a leaf falling down the spring. She tried her best not to tear as she refrain her eyes from blinking. "You.. you don't have to apologize. I understand that it was a mistake", she said as she fake a smile.

"As part of my sincere apology, I will teach you everything I know for you to become a great Paladin", Stellan offered as he apologize.

"No… no", Haelan lifted her hands and waved them towards Stellan. "I think… the Lords can manage. That's too generous of you, Sir", Haelan said as she swallow a lump in her throat. At this moment, Haelan wanted to disappear and soul travel anywhere but here.

"Are you alright? Your face seemed to be a bit flustered", Stellan asked as he set his footing.

"It must be the waters, maybe I've been here for too long, Don't come near. Please", Haelan said as she started to churn the waters and let the tree branches sway violently to distract the Paladin Knight.

"What's happening?", Stellan looked down at the violently swirling hot spring. The leaves rustled as the wind circled around. While Stellan is distracted, Haelan swiftly ran out of the water, grabbed her cloak and covered herself. As she quickly dress up under the cloak, she calmed the spring and the winds as she rode her horse. Without looking back, tears ran down her face as she left Stellan.

Watching Haelan leave the spring, Stellan sighed as a piece of him seemed torn and weary. He squinted his eyes staring at Haelan's direction until she's nowhere to be seen. May it be something he'll regret, he thought it's something that needs to be done. After all, his intuitions are too far from reality and from what he expect.

Haelan galloped away not minding the twigs that spat her face. She held her chest like it's carrying some heavy extra baggage. That kiss was a spark of an affection, that despite she's unable to bring out the bright light of truth about her true identity, she was seen as someone who can be loved. But now, things have turned upside down knowing that no matter how genuine she feels towards Stellan, she's just someone valued with curiosity.

The orange-purple sky took on a show for the people along the pathways, but for Haelan, it was nothing but a sad goodbye. She wiped her tears with the sleeves of her clothes. As she arrive in Brandenburg, she immediately delivered the medicinal plants to Madam Eleanor. "I'm sorry if I took a long while, Madam Eleanor", Haelan kept her head down to avoid the sharp eyes of the old lady. She placed the basket of medicinal plants on the table, as he damped hair keep on dripping.

"It looks like you didn't have a great time out there", Madam Eleanor said as she notice Haelan's flustered face. She took a piece of her newly baked bread and a slice of a currant pye that she baked earlier today. Then, she wrapped them nicely in a clean white cloth and handed it over to Haelan. "I wish you could tell me, but I will understand if you won't.", Eleanor held her with both of her hands and beamed a smile. "I hope these will make you feel better", she said as she tap Haelan's hands while she shamelessly cry a river in front of Eleanor.