Chapter Twenty-two *NEW*

The home gifted to Libelle was large, with its own courtyard, and possessed potential. However, at the time of arrival, Gaalin, who stood beside Libelle, stared at a building practically in ruin. The timbers framing the house were weakened, cracking and splintering in many areas.

The rooms were barren of any furniture, the floors covered in dirt, walls covered in dust and spider webs. Rats were scurrying about in the shadows, grass sprouting from the floorboards. The cobblestone walls in the courtyard were crumbling, and all the trees appeared to be wasting away from drought. There were raised plots that could be used for gardening, except within them was dried dirt and dead plants.

Despite the house being close to the castle of the king, it was in pitiful condition. How could the king call this living in luxury? Though, what else should he have expected from mankind. It was a house with a roof at this point, it kept them from the rain and the snow: after he repaired the multiple holes in the thatch roof.

Gaalin stood in the doorway, glancing around before pinching the bridge of his nose together with an exhausted sigh. On the other hand, Libelle stood beside him practically jumping in excitement. For the first time in ten years, she had a place to call home, and she had a protector beside her.

He could tell, just by looking around the building, how much work he had instore for him. Yet he saw potential. "Libelle," he sighed. "I'll go to the market and get some things that we will need to uh, fix the homestead."

She held his hand, glancing upwards at him. "May I go with you?"

His opposing hand dragged down his face. "Aye lass."

"What do we need?" she asked.

He evaluated his surroundings, the house, the obvious and immediate repairs that must be addressed. "For today, we will just get the things we need to clean this area."

Pointing towards the main door, a narrow entryway that expanded into a relatively large room. Closest to the doorway was a square firepit lined with bricks, a broken bench beside it. Beyond that was a set of stairs that appeared untrustworthy, with space for storage beneath it. Beside the stairs was more empty space, large enough he felt a simple table may suffice so the two may have a place to eat future meals. There was a small store room, blocked by broken doors at the end of the large room, a foul stench coming from behind the barred doors. Oh how he did not look forward to cleaning up whatever it was rotting in there. He'd only briefly creeped up the creaking stairway, carefully placing his feet on the least unstable boards. Just enough to see that the stairway led to a narrow hallway, to the left was a room behind a single door, and to the right was what appeared to be a larger room behind double doors.

For today, he wanted to at leash clean the entry way and the space around the fire pit. He'd like to be able to safely burn some kindling so Libelle could sleep warmly during the night. He'd also need the hot flame to prepare a meal for themselves, as he doubted that the servants of the king would bring them food, or at least edible food.

They'd need something to sweep and clean the filth from the floor. Nails and hammer to repair the loose boards, and surely the stairs. He could only imagine one of them falling through a broken board and injuring themselves. Rags, blankets, furs, brooms, a pot to cook in, they needed so much. For now, he must focus on clearing and cleaning an area for Libelle to rest.

"Here."

Gaalin spun around, surprised at the sudden voice. Behind them stood two middle-aged women, both dressed in a plain dress, yet the colors of her robes indicated she came from the castle. She held a large basket, filled with the very type of supplies he was looking for. Strapped to her back with cloth strips, were several sticks and a broom.

The woman beside her, instead of carrying a large basket, had one strapped to her back. From what he could smell, he knew she carried food within the woven basket, all of which was covered with layers of blankets. In her hands, she carried a stack of blankets, some of which made from wool, others from animal hides and furs.

He was surprised to see such a delivery, yet thankful because it saved him from walking into the market with Libelle. The women looked irritated, less than pleased to be bringing the elves any item. The women set the baskets on the ground, placing the blankets and animal skins on top of them, and the bundle of sticks beside them.

"The King ordered us to bring this to you." They said in unison.

Gaalin stared down at it, but didn't take a movement towards them. He wouldn't give thanks, there was no need. Instead, he watched as the women puffed out their chests and turned to walk away. Their task was completed, that was the end of it.

Libelle smiled wide at Gaalin as soon as the women were out of their sight, excitedly stepping forward to untangle the broom from the sticks. "I'll start sweeping!"

She darted back into the house, tripping over the threshold while giggling. Gaalin sighed once more for the evening, shaking his head as he collected the remaining baskets, animal skins and food. "I've been reduced to a bloody maid." He grumbled.

This is how their life together began.

It was a simple start, cleaning a filthy house and turning it into one that could safely be inhabited. Repairing all that was damaged within it, and around it. It took several months of hunting, selling animal carcasses for coin to purchase the needed furnishings for the home. Gaalin was able to successfully build several pieces of furniture, making it his priority to make a bed for Libelle to sleep in.

Despite her willingness to assist him within the house and courtyard, to help him make the house into their home, he continually ushered her back into her bedroom to rest, or beside the fire. She was sixteen years old, but she looked no more than a twelve-year-old. She was thin, she had little muscle, no strength nor stamina. She needed rest, lots of it if she was to ever become the slayer that Edinburgh expected.

For several weeks, he had to chase her back inside to rest while he tended to the property. Once every few days, the same servant who initially brought them the supplies, would stop by to deliver food. Sometimes it was more than the two would need, and other times it wasn't enough to last the week. So, they learned to ration their food, yet were still thankful for the produce.

During those weeks, Gaalin observed Libelle. Seeing her gain weight, grow taller, slowly the strength that she would need. Eventually he would begin her training, and at that point he assumed Libelle may not care for him as much as she did right now. For her to gain the strength that she would need to fight for herself in the future, she would have to exercise long hours. She was bound to be exhausted.

She would receive training at his direction, and he could teach her all he knows about swordsmanship, archery and so on. He could teach her the skills she would need to survive. In addition to his instruction, the King had already stated he would be finding swordsmen and women who would teacher their skills. She would learn from those who excelled in magic, both in the healing and destructive arts.

She would become, potentially become, one of the strongest slayers in history.