The Ring in the Chest

As Aphmau finished bidding Levin and Zoey her goodbyes, she made her way outside her home. The toughest thing about being a Lord is having to make the choices that sometimes–rather most times–wouldn’t suit her best interest. She began to love Levin like her own, and now that she was on the quest to find his actual mother, she’s suddenly brought back to the reality that Levin was, in fact, not hers.

“Good morning Lady Aphmau,” Her thoughts were interrupted as a rough, yet cheery voice greets her, “ready to leave yet?”

“Garroth! Actually yes, I just.. finished saying goodbye to Levin.” Despite what had weighed on her mind a few seconds ago, somehow, just speaking to her reliable head guard made her feel better.

“Aphmau, how do you feel about this?” Garroth asked. Silence fell between the two.

“It's.. This is the right thing to do.” Deep inside, Aphmau knew what had to be done for the baby. She shouldn’t be selfish; the thought of being present in a child’s upbringing when she wasn’t even the true mother was tormenting her.

“Yes it is. I know it must be difficult for you, it's very noble of you to do this.” Aphmau smiled faintly at Garroth’s comment. “Now, here in this chest are a few things for your journey. I put together a few things that you might need.” Garroth nudged the chest next to him, gesturing for Aphmau to open it.

“Oh! Thank you Garroth, I appreciate it.” Aphmau wasted no time and opened to see what was inside of it. It wasn’t a lot. Two potions, a very beautiful flower band, a brand new sword, and a…

“Is there something wrong, Lady Aphmau?” Garroth noticed as she stopped and stared inside the chest.

“I– um…” Her heart began racing. She fiddled with the object inside the chest, unsure with what it's reasons for being there were. If given a little thought, it was quite random. A dozen thoughts and questions ran through her mind, while she felt that funny, confusing sensation in her stomach.

With enough courage, she pulled out a wedding ring, shut the chest, and faced Garroth. “There's an um.. a ring..?”

A surge of panic went through Garroth and frantically thought of something to say. To his dismay, all that came out of his mouth were broken words and stuttering.

“L-Lord Aphmau, I-I can um I can explain! Tha-That is um..”

“This… who is this for?” Aphmau sensed his panic and decided to make fun of the situation. She never saw Garroth be this.. flustered and it was funny to her. “Ooh, Garroth I didn't know you had a lady~”

“No! Absolutely not!” He quickly denied, “That-that wasn’t supposed to be there! I don’t know how it got there!” Garroth attempted to snatch the ring back, but Aphmau took a step back.

“Hahaha! Then why is there an engagement ring in here? This is very unexpected from you Garroth.” Aphmau inspected the ring and it was simple yet beautiful. She was very curious whose hands this ring will be on.

“It's really not what you think, my Lord. It must have fallen into the chest as I was fixing it..” He lied. Garroth had many things he wanted to say, however he feared it was too early… and it seemed impossible.

I want you to wear it, Aphmau. He thought to himself.

“I-It’s a family heirloom! My mother gave it to me if I were to ever settle down with the woman I love.” It wasn’t entirely a lie, only it wasn’t an heirloom.

“Ahh, I see. Such a beautiful heirloom! The woman to wear this would be very lucky, I'm sure.” Aphmau grinned, but she felt that unfamiliar, annoying feeling once again. As if something was tugging at her heart, weighing it down. The thought of Garroth proposing to a woman.. for some reason did not sit well with her.

But.. who would he even give this to? As far as I know he isn’t interested in anyone… or is he? And he just isn’t telling me? But it’s his personal affairs, why should I care?! But as his Lord and good friend aren't I supposed to at least have an idea?!?! But why am I even bothered by this?!!! WHY AM I THINKING LIKE THIS?!?!?!?! Forcing a smile on her face, she shook her head.

“I shouldn’t be holding onto this.” Aphmau pulled Garroth’s hand and placed the ring at the palm of his hands. The gesture sending a tingling sensation to Garroth. “Take care of your valuables more, especially family heirlooms like this! I know you’ve only recently recovered from your wounds and might be a little clumsy, but be a bit more mindful.”

“Yes, my Lady. I will keep that in mind.” Garroth hesitantly took the ring back, slightly disappointed. “Now you still have a journey to go on, I’m sorry for holding you back like this.”

“Don't worry about it. I’ll be heading off now. Take care of Phoenix Drop while I’m gone.. and watch over Levin.” Aphmau fixed her backpack and walked to the docks. As he watched her walk away, a heavy sigh escaped his lips. It was too early to give it to her, he thought. He wasn't sure either of how Aphmau feels about him. Whether she only saw him as her guard and friend or a love interest, which was impossible in his eyes since she had far too much to worry about. He wouldn’t want to add to her plate.

“When the time comes..” Garroth said to himself, “I’ll make sure this ring is yours, Aphmau.”

Garroth shoves the ring in his pocket and heads on down to the village to do his usual rounds.