Book Two – Chapter Seven – Part Six – The Days of Training

Momo and Srassa took off towards the noble district. The roads were smoother, the guards more plentiful, and everyone looked so stylish.  Exotic silks and soft velvet were standard on this side of the city.

But she did start to feel uncomfortable when she saw slaves, more so if they were Singi slaves. They looked up at her with their stoic eyes and sighed.

Why can’t people get along with each other? Momo thought.

But to her surprise, they weren’t being treated that badly. Yes, owning slaves was a bad thing in her eyes, but unlike slaves everywhere else, these looked to be well-fed and almost in perfect health. Any scars or wounds she saw looked like they’d been inflicted years ago, and they all were fully clothed. But more than that, a few of them had on armor like they were their master's bodyguards.

But that doesn’t excuse it. It never will.

As Srassa said, her house wasn’t that far away. It was only a short 15-minute walk from the shopping center.

They stopped in front of a mansion that had three floors. It was pearly white on the outside, and the gate that led to the smooth driveway was black. Colorful flowers adorned the yard, and two towering pillars stood beside where a second black gate was sitting. The mansion itself was past the second gate that acted as another layer of defense.

“Wow…. I’ve never been to a house so big," Momo muttered in amazement. The guard standing nearby nodded to Srassa and opened the gate up.  He wore a slim-fitting set of brown leather armor.  A sharp sword sat on his hip, but his hands never went towards it.

“I think it’s a bit too big,” Srassa waved and smiled to the guard, and the two friends walked further on in. “It’s just me, my father, mother, my grandparents, and the few butlers and maids. Oh, and Evie.”

“You don't have any siblings?”

Srassa shook her head. “I’m an only child, but my mother is pregnant. I’m happy about that.”

But that’s still a lotta people. And who’s Evie?

“I’m an only child, too. But I've always wanted a cute little brother to spoil.”

Srassa laughed. “Me too. I really hope it’s a boy.”

“Good day to you, Miss Flinn.” The two friends turned at the voice and saw an elderly Singi. Her short hair, ears, and tail had turned grey and old, and she gently carried a small basket in her arms. There was a black bracelet on her arm, but she didn’t seem to mind. She wore something like a maid uniform, but it was long and nearly reached her ankles.

“Hello, Evie. Are you off to see mother?” Srassa asked.

Her last name is Flinn? Guess she really is a noble.

“Yes, ma’am. She requested a small meal. She’s in the canopy if you want to stop by. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

Momo locked eyes with Evie, and she just smiled.

“Who was that?” Momo asked when they walked through the second gate.  It had been opened by the guard while the two friends talked to Evie. From here, there was nothing else to prevent them from reaching the mansion.

“That’s Evie. When I was little, she helped take care of me. I like her a lot, and she’s always nice to me.”

But she’s a slave. Momo thought.  She didn't like people who owned slaves, yet she just became aware of a startling fact. Her mind was a foggy haze for the next few seconds.

When they reached the big front door, Srassa suddenly froze in her tracks and slowly looked at Momo. Her heart and mind raced like an explosion as she realized what happened. It was like time slowed to a crawl, and she was suddenly aware of how loud she was breathing.

I just showed my friend, that's a Singi, a Singi slave. Singi friend. Singi slave. Srassa, you idiot!!!!!

Srassa turned her head towards Momo so fast her blond hair streaked across her green eyes and smacked her in the back of the head. “Before you get upset, I just want to say that not once have we ever mistreated Evie. Me, my father, and my mother love her. And we don’t even think of her as a slave. Haa… I guess you hate me now.” Srassa sighed and felt like she was about to cry.  Water flooded her eyes like a dam that was about to break.

Momo shook her head. “I don’t hate you. But I was a little surprised. I don’t like slavers. Not at all. And I’m feeling a bit confused. But it seems like you really care about her.”

“I do. Evie's like a second grandmother. My father tried to convince her to let him get rid of the bracelet, but she refused. I promise you, Momo, we’d never treated her less than how she deserves to be treated. She’s like—no, she is a member of our family.”

“I believe you. I was just caught a little off guard.”

Oh man, this is kind of awkward.  Momo thought.  She looked at Srassa and turned her gaze back to the ground.  Her arms felt sticky and wet with a cold sweat created from her nervousness.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t even think about how—”

“Srassa, it’s fine. I promise it is,” she gave her friend a smile, not unlike the one she gave her grandpa when he asked her about her day. A smile that was fake and factual at the same time camouflaged her true feelings. It was something she had practiced over the years, but it had been seven or so months since she had to use it.

“Thanks, Momo,” Srassa opened the door and led Momo into the lobby. The floors were light brown, made from wood, and there was a magnificent staircase, covered with red carpet, sitting a few meters in front of them. It went up until it hit the wall, then spread off into two directions. The left went to the second floor, and the right went to the third. A glitzy chandelier stood right above them.

“Good day, Miss Flinn,” spoke a butler who appeared through a door to their right. He was young, maybe about 27, but he already had grey hair. He was tall, though, standing a bit over 180 centimeters.

“Hello, Jony. This is Momo. She’s the other girl that's training under Dineria.”

“Good afternoon, Miss Momo. My name is Jony, and I’m a butler in the service of the Flinn household.”

“Umm...hello,” Momo tried to speak with authority, but her nervousness forced her words to come out like a mouse's squeak.  Jony only smiled at the Singi.

“Jony, we’re going up to my room for a little bit, then we’re leaving. She’s introducing me to her party member today.”

“Very well. I’ll be sure to tell your father. Do you know what time you’re expecting to come home?”

“I don’t. But it shouldn’t be too late.”

“Very well. Do you have your emblem on you?”

“I do. I know what to do if I get into trouble,” Srassa looked a bit embarrassed when she said that.

“Very good. In that case, I hope your night is filled with fun and excitement. Now, if you’ll excuse me...” Jony bowed and walked away. His sturdy hands, covered with a white glove, went to grab a brass door handle, and a moment later, he slipped inside.

“My room is on the third floor,” Srassa began to walk. She was feeling more confident.

If Momo was going to hate me, then she’d done when she saw Evie, right? I shouldn’t have much to worry about.

“Who was that? And what’s an emblem? If you don’t mind answering,” Momo asked.  She gripped the stair railing and nearly gasped in surprise.

I'm pretty sure the wood used to make these stairs were more expensive than mine and grandpa's house!

“I don’t mind. That was Jony. Father found him abandoned and homeless around fifteen years ago when he went on a trip to Adenaford. I actually thought he was my big brother for a while, but I guess he is in a way since he also looked after me when I was younger. And this is an emblem,” Srassa reached into a pouch on her waist and took out a small bronze disk. It had an emblem of a Singi and a Human holding hands.  It didn't look expensive.

“It’s the emblem of the Flinn family. Not even my father or grandfather know why it’s a Singi and a Human holding hands, but they don’t want to change it.”

"How can it help if you get in trouble?” Momo asked. She couldn’t see why it was a big deal. She had been a commoner all her life, and she couldn't understand the vastly different world of the nobility.

“There’s a small unspoken rule about the nobility of the world. If we’re ever stranded or lost, we show our family emblem to someone. It’s proof that we are who we say we are, and if they help us, they’re sure to be rewarded.”

“I never knew that,” Momo said as they came to the third floor. There were three rooms on the wall in front of them, and each door had a brass handle.

“The middle one is my room, the left one is the shower, and the right one is a storage room,” Srassa saw the confusion in Momo's eyes and answered her unasked question.

"Wow... You have a whole floor to yourself?" Momo said in amazement.

“Yes. It’s a bit too much, but my father insisted a girl of my age needed her privacy.  My parent's room is on the second floor, and the other bedrooms are on the first floor.  The kitchen and dining rooms and other rooms are spread about the first and second floor."

He’s caring, and I love my dad, but he’s too overprotective.  And Jony's a worrywart.  Still... I'd rather have it that way than not have my dad or Jony at all...

The two walked across the soft red carpet, and Srassa opened the door to her room.

There was the bed, of course; a queen-sized bed, to be exact. Yellow and blue covers and blankets lined the top of it, and black pillows were resting near the headboard. The floors were hardwood, the same as the lobby, and Momo saw a large walk-in closet that was partly open and a few desks.  The walls were white, sparkling clean.  A few pictures of heroic-looking women in armor decorated them.  There was a single window on the far wall, and a courtyard and a canopy could be seen. In fact, a certain elderly Singi was sitting in a chair talking to a pregnant woman with blond hair.

“So, this is my room. I’m sorry if it’s a bit messy. I was running late this morning. Please, have a seat,” Srassa walked over to a desk and pulled out two chairs that were on wheels. She rolled them over to Momo, and she sat down.

“That's adorable.” Momo pointed to the corner of the room that had some stuffed animals. She only saw foxes and cats, and they were arranged in a way that showed they were well taken care of. “I like your animal collection.”

“Oh, umm….thank you.  Most of those are from Evie.  She loves to make things like that.  Oh, here’s a small buzzer.” Srassa went to another desk and pulled out a small silver object. There was a white button on top. “If you need anything, press it, and Jony or one of the other maids will come up here. And I’m sorry for leaving you alone, but I need to take a shower.”

“It’s fine. Enjoy your shower!” Momo smiled and took the buzzer from Srassa, who then went over to her closet. She grabbed a bag from a nearby shelf inside it and stored a sundress, some underwear, and a pair of cute gladiator-like sandals inside it. Then she made her way to the door and opened it.

“Feel free to make yourself at home. I’ll be back in ten minutes or so.”

“Okay! I’ll be right here,” replied the Singi. Her ears started twitching in happiness. The door closed right after.

Momo sat in her chair for a few minutes, unsure of what to do. She’d never been alone in another person’s room before.

Would it be rude if I walk and explore? Or should I just stay seated? But she did say to make myself at home. Ah, I got it!

“I gotta write in my journal,” she said to herself. She carefully rolled over to the desk and retrieved her notebook and a pen from her bag.

Dear diary. Today, I was invited over to Srassa's house, or mansion, I should say. I’m actually still here sitting in her room. We’ve known each other for a bit under half a month or so, but I never expected to be invited! I gotta admit, I’m really nervous, even though I feel like I shouldn’t be.

She’s nice, so I should be fine. But, I got to admit I felt weird seeing a Singi slave. I’m feeling weird. Really, really, really weird. But she seemed to be happy, and Srassa said they treated her like family.  And it sure looks like it.  I didn't see a single scratch or cut on her.

I want to believe her, I really do, but it’s hard for me to like people who own slaves. Especially if the slave is a Singi like me. So, I lied to her and gave her a smile like I used to give you, grandpa. I felt bad, but maybe this friendship can work. Honestly, I feel like crying but I got to keep it together.

But I’m sorry for not writing sooner. I always say I’ll write but I end up forgetting, but it’s not my fault this time. Training with Dineria is hard and tough, and I’m always so tired. But I’m feeling good today. Maybe it means my body is growing stronger? I mean, we’ve been working hard every day, so it stands to reason that I'll get stronger.

But back on the topic of Srassa. I know you said not every noble is bad or evil, grandpa, but does that include slave owners? It’s hard to fight against my urge to just walk away, but I really want to believe we can be friends.

I used to, and still do, think that anyone who owns another person like property is mean and evil, but maybe Srassa's family can be one of the good ones. An exception to the rule I made up.

Just writing that gave me a headache. It goes against everything I’ve ever thought, but maybe it’s good that I’ve found something to challenge my way of thinking.

Or maybe it’s not. Grandpa, I’m just so confused.

It just feels like I’ve been repeating myself over and over. And it took me five or minutes to even write this much.

In the end, I think I’ll choose to believe her. If I can't do that, then I’ll force myself to.  You told me not to judge on appearances, and it worked out for Servi.  She's my best friend.  Maybe Srassa can be my second best friend? I hope so.

But I gotta go. I hear the shower turning off.

Sincerely, Momo.

P.S – this is probably the hardest-to-read entry I’ve ever written. I promise I’ll try to work on my words and writing when I can.

Momo put her journal away and spun around in her chair. A moment later, the door opened to reveal a very pretty Srassa. Her blond hair had a small green bow in it, and the floral sundress was dazzling and perfect for the hot weather, and the thin strap of her green bra was very slightly visible on her left shoulder. The sandals she chose to wear quite cute as well.

Momo’s heart almost skipped a beat.

“Sorry if I took too long, but I’m ready.”

“That dress looks so cute, and I never knew they made shoes like that. What’re they called, if you don’t mind me asking.”

“They’re called gladiator sandals. Apparently, they're in fashion in Westera. When my father went to Adenaford on business, he stopped by a store and bought them for me because he remembered I complained about wanting a new pair of shoes." NO! Srassa, don't say embarrassing things!!!

“Gladiator sandals... I need to remember that.”  Momo looked down at her own footwear when she said that, so she didn't see Srassa's beet-red face.

The embarrassed girl walked over and sat lady-like on her bed, crossing her legs while shaking the heat away from her cheeks. “So, I was actually a bit nervous…”

“Why?” Momo asked.

“It’s kinda embarrassing, but this is actually the first time I had a friend come to my house,” Srassa’s face went red, and she fidgeted a little bit. She lightly squirmed her legs together, and her fingers were interlocked.

Yep. Srassa's just like me, but rich and stuff.  I never had any friends growing up to even invite to my house.

“I’m glad you did. To be honest, I’ve never been invited to someone’s house before. So I was nervous. Especially since it’s a noble’s house,” Momo gave the nervous girl a gentle smile.

Srassa nodded. “If it helps, don’t think of me as a noble. There’s not anyone in my family who thinks we’re better than anyone else.”

Momo nodded, and the two talked for a bit more before Srassa looked at her watch.

After she told Momo the time, the two decided to go to the Warden office. They left the room after Srassa picked up a brown purse. She cradled it with both hands, and the two walked down the stairs together.

“Father!” Srassa suddenly said towards an unknown man when she reached the ground floor. There was Jony, but there was also someone else. He was tall, around 196 centimeters, and had a rugged face, complete with a neatly trimmed mustache. His hair was brown with a reddish-gold tint, and his eyes were the color of mud. A traditional black suit was his outfit of choice for this day, and he gently smiled at his beloved daughter.

“Good afternoon, Srassa. How was your training today?”

Srassa and Momo walked over to him.

“It was good. I’m getting better.” Srassa smiled as she answered.

“Good. So, are you going to introduce me to your friend?”

“Father, this is Momo. She’s the girl I’ve been telling you about.”

Was Srassa really talking about me..."

“Hello, sir!” Momo’s body stiffened up, and her words came out at a pitch higher than she wanted them to.

“Please, be at ease. I’m Harold Flinn. It’s nice to meet you.” He stuck out his hand.

Momo smiled and took it, and the two shook hands.

Suddenly, he grinned. “My daughter has been talking about this 'totally amazing' Singi she’s been training with.”

“Father?!” Srassa became embarrassed. Momo just looked at her.

“Totally amazing? Me?”

“Oh yes. Even during dinner—”

“Dad!!” Srassa pouted and puffed her cheeks.

“And that’s my cue to leave,” Harold laughed, and it was like his mustache joined in on the fun. “She only calls me dad when I embarrass her. Based on how she’s dressed, I assume you two are going out for a bit of fun?”

“Srassa asked to meet Servi, my party member. We’re staying at the Warden office.” Momo's voice was a bit strained. It was nerve-wracking speaking to the father of her friend who owned a person. Even if she was a slave, Evie was living a little bit better than most nobles. And Momo didn't think that the guy standing in front of her was such a bad guy.  It was going to be a challenge, but the pink Singi felt like she could come to trust Harold. She thought his face was too kind to belong to a man who purposely hurt and terrorized slaves.

“I see. Well, I hope you two have fun. Remember to be safe,” Harold said. His chiseled face smiled, and he turned to talk to Jony to talk about business.

“Oh, I’m so embarrassed,” Srassa eventually said. After her father turned away, the two friends, one Singi and one very embarrassed Human, walked outside.

“He seems nice. But totally amazing?" Momo placed a slender hand to her chest.

“He is. He’s always very supportive of what I do. But I do think you’re amazing. You’re better than me in everything.”

“That’s not true. When it comes to using skills, you’re way better than me.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up such a topic. The last thing I want to do is sour the mood,” Srassa whimpered and sighed as they walked past the second gate. They stopped speaking, and the only noise came from their footsteps pounding on the paved road.

Come on, Srassa! Stop saying the wrong things and calm down!

“There’s nothing to be sorry about. I mean that. I’m just happy someone thinks I’m amazing. But you’re amazing too.”

“Really?”

“Really. You’re learning much faster than I did, and I’ve been practicing for a lot longer.”

“Thanks!” Srassa smiled, and her pretty face was almost brighter than her sundress.

“If anything, Servi is the amazing one. She’s brave, fearless, and strong. She’s super friendly, too. And she’s super good with literally every weapon she tries.”

“She sounds so cool.”

“Yeah, she is. I only wish I could be as cool as her.”

And so, the two friends walked side by side, chatting about clothes, training, food, and drinks. The conversation was awkward and filled with pauses as the two tried to come up with the right words. Like a tree that grew strong over the years but started off as a small sapling, so was this friendship that was still in its infancy. But both girls were putting in the effort, and it was sure to have worthwhile dividends.

Soon, the Warden office was in their sights. A few minutes later, Momo locked eyes with her best friend and waved to her.