23 Stellan, the Paladin from Hesam

HELENA POV

"Healing spring? Sounds amazing", Jacomus said as he was very excited. He placed his bunny on the bed, tucked it in and kissed it on the forehead.

I took my chaneries with me, one for my clothes and toiletries and another for the sweet smelling apple tarts and berries. Then, Atrius and I followed Jac to the springs, together with the other training-weary squires, battle-tired knights and archers who were half naked and on bare feet. One by one and in groups, the men from Brandenburg jumped on the natural healing pool. When I looked to my side, Atrius and Jacomus have already stripped naked, about to join the other men in the water. I tried to blend in, even I was too nervous to look. How could men be this comfortable with each other… naked?

In all honesty, I tried to look for Stellan. But, he's nowhere to be found. Besides, as much as I wanted to jump in, I wouldn't want to be with men, most definitely when they are all naked. My wounds and pains have already healed anyway, so I decided to leave and bathe in the river instead. I walked my way out, trying to remember every stairs we descent, and every corridor we turned to. I followed the sound of the river, and in a matter of a few moments, I found myself in Achelous. No one's here, definitely a perfect time to plunge in. Keeping in mind that I am a man here, I can't be careless and easily reveal my identity. So, calling for some help would be terrific.

"Kelpie! Kelpie!!", I called for the river spirit horse a couple of times to send the aid that I seek. In an instant, a pair of fiery ruby eyes and black mane appeared before me. "I need your help. Help me bathe", I said as I remove my clothing one by one. Kelpie seemed to understand every word I say. He rose up the water, maintained the stream on a deep level, and kept the temperature warm for me to bathe in my comfort.

Scrubbing all the dirt on my skin, I used the rose scented soap and essential oils Freya packed for me. These are actually very fragrant, and certainly a good selection that fit my nostrils. Lathering the bubbles in my hands, I washed my hair down to my neck and to my chest. Nothing is more refreshing than having a warm bath before a good night rest.

"You know Kelpie, this isn't how I really look.", I started confessing at the river spirit sitting in the curtain of waters he made to cover me. "This isn't even my world.. but with this man, this place isn't too bad at all", I thought of Stellan on top of the few things I adore in this kingdom. Then, I look up and see showers of falling stars crossing the breathtaking starry sky. "Beautiful man", I whispered. "I wonder if Stellan would look at me, the way he look at Vesta.", I continued as Kelpie splashed water directly to my face. "Oh right! What am I saying? He's getting married! Shame on me", I said as I slapped my warm face, shaking my head side to side. "Well, this is the least I can do… you know. I know he will never see me.. not looking like this.", I quivered as the soft wind blew. Kelpie stayed with me listening to my antics. It's like he could understand the voice of my heart. Even without words, I felt comfort. As I was taking pleasure in the water, I sensed someone coming towards the river. Avoiding to be seen, I immediately ran towards the riverside, took my clothes, shoes and chaneries, and then went back to the river asking Kelpie to cover for me.

"Quick Kelpie!", I said as he made a dry path to the center of the river and made waves of water that covered my naked body. He made sure I can walk on the river floor, without getting wet, then led me behind the boulders so I can put on clothes in an instant.

"Who is it?", I whispered as I quickly wear my tight straps to cover my full chest. Then, I immediately wore my black silk shirt and red tabard, with black trousers. As I peek through the space Kelpie made, I saw a cloaked man standing by the riverbed. "It's Alesso, the archer", I said as I pocketed my crest and hilt. It seemed like he was just standing there, looking for someone. Kelpie kept me protected, and we waited until he left.

"That was close, Kelpie!", I uttered as I walk back to the riverside. "Thanks! See you tomorrow again", I said as I wave goodbye to the helpful river spirit who made the rivers shallow and calm again.

I rushed to the dining hall with everyone standing tall. The hall was full of long tables and benches, arched ceiling with hanging chandeliers and walls decorated with ornamental weapons. Spotting Atrius and Jacomus, I made my way through the squires who are clamoring in the busy hall. Then, we heard ringing of a bell as it catches everyone's attention. A young priest in white cassock stood in front, looking nervous with tension. "Let's welcome, Sir Stellan from Hesam", he said then he climbed down the podium.

Looking more relaxed in a cream-colored tunic and black trousers, Stellan effortlessly look explicitly striking prevailing these group of men. Looking tired with dark circles in his eyes, this man still endure beyond the appearances of all men here put together. High and lofty, beautiful dark golden hair and thick brows, sharp jawline, broad shoulders and a Paladin, I'm sure he gets all the women in Nether drooling. 😒

Hold on. His hair is wet. Did he wash in the healing spring or somewhere else?

"Men of Honor, as the Paladin Knight of Hesam, I welcome you all to Brandenburg for your journey of joining the battalion of the brave, not everyone can be part of. The good in you, in mind and in spirits, have proven that you are indeed a member of this brotherhood.", he said with a serious face. "I will be honest, the attacks lately has been violent, no mercy, and no remorse. Let's all face the terrible fact that no war is gentle. So I expect you all to be brave, against all odds. Our peace is disturbed by an identified cluster. Whatever their purpose, we will stop them.", he added as he look on his fist. "I was lucky to get healed in the forest. And now that I am back on my two feet, I will continue to fight and protect the kingdom that we have built and taken care of. Unfortunately the prince is still in his terrible fate. He was given seven days to recover, and if not, the kingdom will face a horrific loss.", he said as the sadness reflect on his dark brown eyes. I looked around me and found myself in the middle of highly influenced men. They were all quietly and fervently listening to Stellan. "And now, I wish you all that when you are in your armor, you are to act the bravest, the strongest and faithful warriors of Nether. Our loyalty will always be to the people, and to the King!", The men shouted and cheered for Stellan, chanting his name as they gaze at him with their eager eyes. Never have I ever seen men so inspired and fueled with motivation, ready to risk their lives for a murderer like the king with no reservations.

"Tonight, we feast. And tomorrow, we prepare for battle", Stellan said as he come down from the podium. Loyalty to the King? How can I be loyal to the man who killed my entire race? Suddenly in my eyes, Stellan looked like a raccoon convincing everyone to like his King. 🦝

Stellan, the Paladin from Hesam.

He is different from up there. The men respects him. He was quite annoying during the tests, all snubby and feeling all mighty. But, he do have an aura that is warming. As he descend the podium, we were all served with fruits, steak, ham and turkey. Not to mention some soup, vegetables and bread with butter. It is indeed a feast.

"I didn't see you in the spring, squirrel", Jacomus said as he took a big bite of the turkey leg.

"I bathe in the river", I said as I wash my palate with water from a cup.

"The Healing Spring is much better. It regenerated our strenghts", Atrius said as he ask for more ale. "Though I heard Sir Stellan washed in the river too. Did you see him there?", he asked.

I choked with the water in my mouth a little. "He what?", I was troubled. I didn't sensed anyone in the river. So that's why Alesso was there.

A man, who's wearing a blue tabard, with a one-eye patch sat with us. Then he sniffed in the air leading to me. "You smell of roses, like a girl", he said with an awful face.

I was longer really in a good mood after Stellan's speech, feeling as if I was mandated to like someone I despise. And now this? Also, I'm bothered if Stellan saw me back in the river. "Did you bathe too? Because, you smell like rotten egg", I said.

"What did you say, boy?", he stood up as if he wants to pick up a fight.