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The autumn leaves danced over Scarlett’s head, the Great Tree preparing for its winter sleep. Scarlett however paid no mind and continued her patrol obediently. It was just the average day for her, and yet something gnawed at her like a rock inside her shoe. She was furious. Furious that Livia would let a stranger become a ranger without the formal training. She felt jealous at this inexperienced newcomer who dared venture into her territory. Furious at how without any training this stranger, this woman came to be trusted. She shouldn’t be angry, shouldn’t be jealous, shouldn’t be thinking about her after all these months. And yet here she is.
Yes, it has been months, she clenched her fists. Mind struggling to stay focus on the road. The sight of an uneven pavement briefly catches her eye, she would have to tell Simone to fix that before someone got seriously injured. What she really wanted however was a quick solution at removing these confusing emotions. Her discipline helped her keep calm and yet she still cut her words every time Alice would approach her. She wasn’t sure why. Was it out of the jealousy or the mistrust? Or was it because every time they met, she felt a sudden emotion that felt unfamiliar. An emotion that wanted to crack her and expose her.
She did give this stranger, Alice a chance to prove to her this trust the townsfolk held on her. Accepted her gifts and had even accidentally said she enjoyed rice dishes and so the free brunches were a plenty from her new partner.
Partner... She thought.
Yes, she’s my fellow ranger. My inexperienced yet somehow strong partner. She frowned.
“Don’t ya know not to frown otherwise your face might stay that way.” The voice of a young man interrupts her thoughts.
“Ryker don’t sleep in that tree, or you’ll fall.” Scarlett responded, looking towards the voice to the man lying on a branch.
“It’s a cozy tree. What’s got you all twisted that you haven’t spotted me first?”
“None of your business. I’m on patrol and you aren’t doing anything too extreme.” She snapped back.
“Oh? Can it be the “new” ranger. Even tho she’s been here for months now.” He smirked at her.
“She isn’t new. And no, I have no reason to think of her.” The half-elf responded dismissively.
“I see how it is. Alright.” He said grinning subtle.
Scarlett could only scowl and continued her patrol.
I must be sick or something. I better reflect and calm down.
Her work was almost finished till she caught sight of a blonde.
“Scarlett!” She began to run towards her.
“Wait Alice!” The pavement.
“Wow!”
The blonde had fallen towards Scarlett resulting in both crashing.
Scarlett opened her eyes to Alice in front of her.
Nonononope. What is this. She ruminated.
“I’m sorry—I should have saw that.” Alice said disheveled and wincing. Quickly pushing herself up and sitting upright.
“You still need to be observant after all these months.” Scarlett grumbled, looking to the side. Trying to avoid a blush.
“Scarlett are you okay?” Alice said getting up and helping to pull her up.
“Ye-ah Im fine.” Scarlett said as she adjusted her uniform. Anything really to avoid catching the blonde’s eyes and accidentally revealing these feelings.
“Oh right! I wanted to ask if you were free to help me gather some herbs in the Kelve Volcanic Region?” Alice asked shyly.
“I will have to decline. I need to check on Livia to see if there’s more assignments to be done.” She said briskly.
“Ah okay.” A disappointed frown. Scarlett began to turn around, hoping to avoid looking at the downtrodden expression.
“Be safe Alice. Don’t lose your guard.” She added.
“I won’t!” Alice said as she left.
“Too bad. She really wanted you to go.” From behind appears a drowsy Ryker, smile grazing his lips as he watches Scarlett turn a hue of red.
“Shut it!”
Back at the Silo, there were no new assignments for her. She sighed as she made herself comfortable in her room, bringing out a new puzzle box and pulling a chair. She would have appreciated the new challenge if she didn’t have her stuck in her mind.
It felt like every so often she would imagine Alice’s rough hands, or her lips and how they would feel.
This is highly inappropriate for a colleague. When did this happen? She thought, pinching the bridge of her nose to stop the train of thoughts.
It had never been this bad, has it? She frowned once more, reflecting in deep thought till an idea intruded.
Ludmilla! She probably used some of her powers on me to feel this way. Immediately she got up and went to see the succubus. A ray of hope came to Scarlett’s rational side. If Ludmilla had placed a spell on her she could cure it and thus she would no longer have these confusing feelings for her partner! Scarlett practically marched to see her, determination in her step. She opened the door to the florist, rage growing. Thankfully (or unfortunately), she was the only one there to see her.
“Ludmilla! What did you do?!” She exclaimed.
“Hmm?” The succubus turned around from her task of tending her flowers.
“I for once have no-OH.” The tall woman smiled.
“I can hear it! Is this rapid heartbeat from me-oh wait no its not.” Ludmilla mocked sadness.
“What--?” Scarlett almost squeaked.
“What have you done to me!” The half elf defensively covers her face, feeling her blush reach her ears.
“Nothing dear, tho I do think you should quit beating around the bush and just confess to her.” Ludmilla grinned.
“In fact, I was passing by the silo late last night to gather some of the green grass for fertilizer and could tell Alice was having the most amazing dream---"
“Ludmilla!”
“What it’s true—"
Before she could finish, the door opened and none other than Alice came in.
“Hi Ludmilla-oh hi Scarlett! I brought the grasses you needed from the Volcanic Region.”
“Awww you really do love me! Thank you darling!” Ludmilla chirped at the delivery.
“It’s nothing really.” Alice replied sheepishly.
“Before I forget, did you have any nice dreams last night that you’d like to share?” Ludmilla hinted mischievously.
Immediately Alice turned beet red as she glanced at Scarlett.
“No—nothing just a dreamless sleep! I better go before it gets too late to clean the field!” Alice practically scampered away.
Ludmilla chuckled after she was gone.
“See? I think your chances are high.”
The morning arrives much too soon for Scarlett. She can only stare at the ceiling, restless thoughts plaguing her. She hates Alice, doesn’t she? Her anger is directed towards her, right? The mild tolerance she has is because of her years of training and professionalism. But what is happening that she is so fixated. She sees her every day. They sometimes patrol together. She’s joined her on missions too. But she’s also seen Livia every day and has helped her too. Yet it’s not Livia plaguing her mind.
She groans as she gets up and dresses. Buckles, boots, hat, weapons she mentally checks off. It was time to meet with Livia.
“Ah there you are, you are to escort Alice today to handle some monsters in Lake Yumina.” Livia said cheerfully.
“Yes, of course. Where is she?” Be Calm and collected. Scarlett cycled through her mind.
“Oh she must be still working the farm. Give her a moment and she should be ready this afternoon”, Livia smiled.
Scarlett nods and takes her leave; a mild hesitancy passes through her, but she fights it off. She can handle another patrol even with her.
She leaves the Silo to catch sight of Alice, harvesting fodder from the field. Her back is turned, and her focus is completely devoted to her task. Scarlett can’t help but admire her.
She is a hard worker, and her figure isn’t bad as well-wait no.
Scarlett looks away and starts her walk. Wait was Alice told about today’s task?
“Alice?” She asks.
No answer. She must really be focused.
“Alice!”
“Hmm? Oh!” Alice turns.
“Morning Scarlett!”
“Did you get the news of your task today?”
“Ah I haven’t met with Livia yet.”
“I see… She wants us to take care of some ice griffins in Lake Yumina.”
“Alright, give me a moment to finish here and I’ll get ready.” She smiled, leaving the last part a hum.
The expression left Scarlett timid.
“Okay, I’ll be running a quick patrol before we leave. Meet me here when you are done?”
She nodded and Scarlett took her leave, heart beating faster.
The half elf used the time to relax her heart, cleaning any litter she spotted, helping townsfolk with short deliveries, and checking for any sign of trouble. Rigbarth was peaceful this morning and she found herself early again, waiting beneath the stairs. She could hear Alice come down in a gait.
What is making her cheerful in her step? Surely it can’t be me? She mused.
“Ready!” Alice Beamed.
“Good lets make haste,”
The air was chilly at the lake as it always was. Alice could see her breath in the air.
“Thank goodness I brought a couple of layers.”
“Yes, its good you came prepared.”
Scarlett could see out of the corner of her eye that Alice was staring.
“What?”
“Ah nothing, just wondering If you were cold is all.” Alice shifted.
“Not really, we are walking pretty fast, and the sooner we get to the location the sooner we can head back home.” Scarlett replied curtly.
“---that’s true.” There was a hint of disappointment in her voice, a tone that tugged at Scarlett’s heart.
Before Scarlett could retort, a gust of wind barely misses them both.
“They are here!” Scarlett shouts.
Talons reach toward her, but Scarlett unsheathes her blade and swipes at the large bird. Shrieks and feathers fill the air then the tell-tale light that the creature has been sent back to the forest of beginnings.
“Alice! How many?!”
“3 left!” Alice replies, dodging a gust.
“Here!” Scarlett throws her seal at one nearest to her partner, halting it in mid attack. Alice just about squeaks in fright before Scarlett slices through the air in a gallop.
“Stay focused!” She chastised.
“Yes” Though Alice felt awe instead of hurt at her partner’s orders. The blonde ran towards another bird and threw a potion, paralyzing the creature before she hit it with her short sword. Flash of light. One more. But where? She catches it running towards her. Alice spins and her strike is through. The final one down, leaving a feather.
The battle leaves them both panting.
“That was pretty intense.” Alice smiles softly, exhausted. She walks to keep up the spoils but almost falls over.
“Don’t get sloppy here.” Scarlett stares as Alice regains her balance.
“I know—just let’s rest for a moment, up there!” Alice points upward towards the hotspring hill.
“It’s steep. Are you sure?”
“Yeah, I’d rather we rest before we head back.” Alice replies, starting the climb.
The hot humid air relieves them both and with the target monsters gone they can rest easy. Alice out of her satchel takes two rice balls and a thermos of tea.
“Here” She offers one to Scarlett.
“You brought lunch?”
“Of course! Always gotta be prepared right?” She lightly chuckles.
They eat in silence for a while. Alice hesitating for words till finally she breaks the silence.
“Hey can I ask you a question?”
“What?” Scarlett replies.
“Do you hate me?”
“Huh? No! What makes you think that?!” The half elf responds in shock.
“Well you’ve always been cut with me and I just feel like I hold you back.”
“No I don’t hate you Alice. (It’s the opposite actually)” Scarlett blushes at the intrusive thought and shoves the rice ball in her mouth to hide it.
“Ah I see. That’s good.” Alice lightly smiles.
“Hey Alice.”
“Yes?”
“There’s rice all over your cheeks.”
“Ah! Don’t look!” Alice embarrassed, struggles as she tries to clean herself up.
A small chuckle erupts from Scarlett.
“You chuckled!”
“What—maybe I did.” She tries to stay composed.
“You did! You did! Am I finally making your way to your heart?” Alice teases.
“You already have.” Scarlett responds flatly, as she drinks her tea from her thermos. Immediately she realizes what she had said.
“I mean—you are a great partner, and I’d like us to work more.” She sees a small tea leaf standing up in her cup. A sign of good luck.
“Hey Scarlett.” Her thought is interrupted as she sees Alice struggling with her words.
“I’m…I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused you.”
“No it was me who should apologize. I judged you to harshly and mistreated you.”
“I was new though, so it makes sense.” Alice responds.
“It still wasn’t warranted.” The half elf replied. “Alice…do remember anything at all from the past?”
“No, not really. Not even memories of my first kiss if I ever had one.” She chuckled.
Oh.
“Ah I’m sorry that wasn’t appropriate-“
“I’ve never had one.”
“What! But your so pretty and cute and a hard worker!” Alice exclaims.
“Hard worker?”
Alice nods blushing.
“Heh. Thanks.”
“We should head back.” Scarlett says getting up. “Before we freeze, shall we?”
“Yes I agree.” Alice states, catching up to walk beside her.
Calm down, remember your training. Remember that there is no room for love. Scarlett mused. Is there? An intrusive thought responded. Causing Scarlett to stop mid tracks. They were already out of Lake Yumina, beginning the descent back to town through the canyon.
“Scarlett?” Alice asked with concern in her voice.
Scarlett begins to walk again but faster, avoiding her.
“Scarlett!”
“I just remember I have something to do at the lake!” Scarlett quickly responded.
“Scarlett, Scarlett! Hey wait up!” Alice catches up to the half elf, gasping for air.
“I told you I-“
“Is there something the matter? Something between us?” Alice asks with worry.
“No—nothing is between us.”
“Then why are you running?” She frowned.
Why was she—she couldn’t look at Alice straight. They had reached the lake now. The night sky welcoming them with its reflection on the calm surface.
A thought blossomed and entered Scarlett’s head. Too big to stay.
“I like you.” She finds herself saying. Mind immediately shocked and heart bursting with regret.
“I like you too Scarlett.”
“What??” This was not what she expected.
“It’s true, I uh fell for you early that week we met. Heh.” Alice said sheepishly, a light blush grazing her face.
“I didn’t expect to go this far honestly. With the way I treated you I just thought you wouldn’t feel the same. And—"
Alice shook her head and smiled.
“It’s okay, I did come in as a ranger fast. I wasn’t sure if I even wanted it, but I knew that if I had you as a teacher, a rival, I could do it. It’s fun to have you as a rival anyway.” She scratched the back of her head in shyness.
“Do you still want me?” Scarlett asked timidly, hoping it wasn’t a dream. Wanting to pinch herself awake, because why would anyone want her? But instead, she is noticing Alice walking closer a breath away from her, and suddenly her eyes are the prettiest color she has ever seen.
“More than anything.” Barely a whispered reply.
They kiss on that lake with the stupid clouds and the stars and its oh so cheesy but Scarlett wouldn’t have it any other way because she is smiling against the kiss, which gives Alice a big goofy grin.
“Come on let’s head back, I gotta prepare your favorite meal tomorrow.” Alice laughs, lightly pressing Scarlett’s arm.
“The bamboo rice? “
“No your real favorite one. I caught shrimp and need to peel it before it gets less fresh.”
“I’ll help you then.” Scarlett can’t help but blush as Alice offers her hand. She especially can’t help but hum alongside her when she starts a tune heading home, swinging their hands as they go.