She stared blankly at the ceiling until the morning sun kissed her pale skin, reminding her of what is to come.
She allowed herself more time in bed, after all she already made her bags the night before. Packing all the essentials and securing the documents and money.
Coming to terms with her current undesirable circumstances, Amanises finally forced herself to leave the cushiony sheets. Once her hand left the bedclothes, her very soul desired to lay down again.
Unfortunate...
Spending the entire morning ruminating over Evelyn's ambitious essence trying to pry its way into her own consciousness wasn't the best way to start her first ever mission. Well, if it counts as a start. She wasn't the type of person to consider morning routine part of work after all.
Nonetheless, there was no more time to stall. She had to get ready and leave for the first train, otherwise who knows what her coworkers would think of the usually punctual Evelyn Dusk.
She scanned her now regular sized closet, trying to figure out which style should go for today. I packed almost all my preferred outfits... I'm too lazy to unpack.
Her go-to option was always a long dress with ruffles and a fitted corset. Today, she would settle for an elegant costume of brilliant line, shirt plated in front, trimmed with velvet ribbon. It had a small waist accentuating her voluptuous figure.
I don't need to apply that much make-up anymore right? My eyebags disappeared.
She threw a glance at the full body mirror.
No. Nope! It was just the light shining that way! Turns out her dark circles did seem to vanish a little, but not enough. People will notice...
She picked up her powder puff and dusted it all over her face, applying extra around her eyes. Not much eyeshadow was used, but an azure lipstick matched her dress.
The Iron Age did offer a lot of make-up options, but sadly they did not favour Amanises. I miss my eyeliner...
Grabbing her paid train tickets, bags and keys, she stepped out of the one bedroom apartment. Before she could leave the complex however, Amanises stopped in front of a maroon door made out of bark.
Knocking thrice, she waited patiently.
The door opened with a soft click and stepping out was an old lady with medium length gray hair tied in a bun, holding a book. A pair of glasses rested on her head catching the morning sun rays.
The old woman scanned the visitor with her grayish eyes. Her lips curled in recognition and an aged voice rang through the halls, emitting more warmth than the summer heat.
"Oh! Miss Evelyn! What has you here so early?" Amanises smiled, and then proceeded to give a curt nod.
"Good morning, Madam Clark. I came here to ask for a favor if it's not too much."
Anri Clark fixed her glasses on her wrinkled nose then shook her head in the same action. "No, it's no bother! What is it you need?"
Amanises rummaged through her purse taking out a key tied to a brown thin lanyard, she placed it in the old woman's hand while explaining her request.
"I'm going on a trip for a few days and I'm quite paranoid of something happening to my home. Could you spare a few minutes everyday until I'm back to check and make sure everything is in place?"
Holding the lanyard, Madam Clark pinched her glasses with the same hand and nodded. "I'll do so. Have a safe trip Miss Evelyn!" She gave her best of wishes, not intending to hold the lady any longer.
"Have a good day, Madam!" Amanises pinched her dress and gave a small bow. Then, she turned around to leave waving her hand in goodbye, the sound of silver bracelets and the clicking of heels faded into silence.
***
Backlund Royal Aegis Train Station.
At 6:45 AM.
It was incredibly quiet. Quite unlike the early Backlund she got used to, but this didn't change her heart pace at all.
I've gotten too used to the quiet of the night. I remember when I would get anxious if it was too quiet where it shouldn't be.
Breathing in the fresh air, she came to realize how calm her deep self had become. She nearly got lost in the tranquil, slumber creeping in, when, all of a sudden, she was jolted awake by a tap on her shoulder.
The woman nearly jumped in fright! This time whoever dared to harm her would meet a fist in their face!
Sleepless brought fast reflexes even if it wasn't night-time, but not fast enough—it seems.
Before her fist could connect, it went still. All motion and inertia stopped by another, similarly delicate yet impossibly strong hand.
"Didn't know you were so jumpy."
The sound of the voice calmed her down instantly. It was Daly!
"Don't sneak up on me! You're lucky I'm of a lower sequence!" She scolded the younger woman.
Daly chuckled while letting go of her fist.
Amanises continued to speak, loudly teasing her friend. "My spiritual intuition failed me! You really are a corpse Ms Daly Simone!"
But Daly only continued to laugh even harder.
On the way to the locomotive, Amanises and Daly were blocked by a small crowd. Well it would better be called a group.
The group of middle-aged men stood in the middle of the station, blocking everyone like they owned it!
Unacceptable!
Amanises wanted to throw around a word or two to these loud scumbags, but they dispersed almost immediately, arranging themselves into a line and looking at the other passengers as if expecting them to do the same.
Thing is, some actually did!
What? Huh?!
From the train carriage, a woman dressed in all purple stepped out. She wore low heels and black stockings, paired with an indigo dress that flaunted to everyone her assets.
Amanises moved closer, taking a better look.
Underneath her black fishnet hat, lay at beauty that couldn't be described! Her heart nearly stopped beating for a second!
The gorgeous young woman threw the butt of her cigarette on the ground, turned on her heel and speedwalked out of the station, leaving everyone else agape.
"Wow." Commented Daly. "Had I been that beautiful I would've ran!" She turned to Evelyn hoping her comment at least lifted the corner of her lips.
Amanises on the other hand had a completely different thought: "Wish I had a cigarette too..."
Daly was surprised: "Wait you smoke?"
Evelyn doesn't but I do.
"Sometimes—" This was actually a complete lie! Amanises was a heavy smoker back then, her friends kept complaining about the pungent smell of tobacco, one that she could hardly mask.
"Sleepless paired with a desire for tobacco." She put her hands under her chin, mocking someone during a train of thought. "Reminds me of someone—"
Amanises's head snapped back to her. "Who?"
As they were talking, the group of men dispersed and everyone in the station continued their routine as if nothing happened.
Both women made their way inside the train compartments and sat next to eachother—Amanises felt dejected since she didn't get the window seat and was too shy to ask to change, while Daly continued to speak.
"My friend from the Tingen Branch, of course!"
Amanises tilted her head, intending to hear more about their next destination. She was always curious about Tingen and the bunch of Arcanists there. Getting a briefing on the way wouldn't hurt.
"His name is Dunn Smith, he's a Sequence 7 actually, the captain of the Branch. I remember the days we were both of low Sequence, clinging to each other like moths to a flame!" At that notion the receptor's brain tingled.
"You're from Tingen?" Asked Amansies, incredibly curious.
"That's right! I spent most of my Beyonder life there. Only this year did I come to Backlund."
"Why did you come here?"
At that question Daly remained silent, she opened her mouth brushing it off. "I'll tell you some other time."
Strange. Is it really that important of a reason why she left for Backlund? Or is it embarrassing and something I could use for blackmail?
Daly Simone wasn't the type of person to get embarrassed easily, so it was probably the first option, or maybe something different all together.
Anyways, abiding by her friend's wish Amanises dropped the subject, changing the conversation to a different topic.
The train ride took 2 whole hours. During those hours, Daly spoke about each member she was familiar with from Tingen.
First was Dunn Smith of course, the one she spoke about the most. His receding hairline despite early age, constant smoking and bad memory was expanded on a lot. But there were also the subjects of his complete obliviousness to women or his apparent disinterest in them.
Daly even questioned if he liked men.
The way she's talking about him doesn't speak of friendship at all!
Next was Leonard Mitchell, also a Sequence 7 Nightmare, he wasn't actually part of the Tingen Branch anymore, however she included him since he was also lending a hand. Daly described him as having 'fashionable taste' and being a crack poet.
Royale Reideen had the same pathway as Amanises herself, only being a sequence higher and was more of a cold, collected and introverted person.
Seeka Tron Sequence 8 Student of Ratiocination was known as the author of the group. Daly commented: "You kind of remind me of her: both ladies in their thirties, calm and have a special serene demeanor. I feel like the two of you can get along well!"
Frye, a Sequence 9 Corpse Collector, was also quiet and secluded. He enjoyed sketching in his free time and apparently didn't have any interest in a relationship.
Kenley a Sequence 9 Seer was quite new, only having 6 months on the job and his potion hasn't even been digested. She commented on his cute looks but also the presence of his fiancé.
"I'm sure she's a wonderful woman, the way he speaks about her is more poetic than Leonard's poor attempts when he was a Midnight Poet!"
Then finally, the only non Beyonder—Rozanne. "Wonderful, cheerful and over-all the best company! She's quite fun to tease, hehehe."
With that, the briefing was done. Amanises knew that she shouldn't judge by the opinions of someone else, but for some reason they felt quite spot on.
Well, I can see for myself once we arrive—
Her thoughts were interrupted by a loud whistling accompanied by an even louder screech of metal.
Turns out, Daly had rambled on the whole two hours of the train trip, catching Amanises's attention in such a way that—she had completely lost track of time!
That's one way to skip a road trip!
She didn't mind at all, it was a way to calm herself down and also the slight feeling of nervousness when meeting new people and moving to another place—albeit temporarily.
Disembarking the train carriage, Amanises held her bags tight. She waved goodbye to the conductor—who also raised his hat, and continued walking alongside her friend.
It was already past 9AM, there was the familiar rumble of people on the streets, barks of stray dogs and the sound of steam.
But, the biggest difference between Tingen and Backlund—was the beautiful clear sky adorned with powder-white clouds.
Blinding sun rays kissed her skin as if welcoming her under the light blue clean veil. She breathed in heavily, feeling her lungs clear out.
It was a nice sensation. One she hadn't felt in a long time.
Daly snapped her out of her daze. "Haaah, Tingen! How much I've missed you!" She exclaimed in relief. Daly was once again home.
It would be nice if I could go home too... A sad thought found its way in her her heart, but Amanises quickly willed it away. I'll find a way soon.
She needed full focus on this mission. There was no need for distractions. The more contribution for The Arcanists was made—the more she could advance and be of use to The Fool.
I don't need to worry about the details for now.
She turned her head around and looked at her companion by her side. "So... When are you going to introduce me?"
Daly chuckled. "Eager aren't we? Let us make our way to our new rented place first. Focus on the rest later."
"Alright." Amanises responded with a breathy smile.