"You weren't lying". Verulkya admits, pointing to the muscular towering woman to walk closer, and heal the Mirror Me.
She emanates green light from her large callous palm, evaporating the blood with the light, then creating slim threads, reattaching the bone, muscles and flesh with swift swirls of her fingers.
{Wow!. It's almost as if she were printing the lost cells to repair the damage}.
Verulkya interrupts my reverie. "Tell me your name".
"Vurckair Vecturion". I proclaim flatly, ready to face my last stand.
She ignores me, turning to observe the Mirror Me. "You are pathetic, retorting to an Exodus and not accepting your defeat. At least you plan ahead, and now, you are not a complete waste. Well-played «Holy Knight»".
The title's punctuation is derogatory, even though it puts a proud smile on the healing face of the Mirror Me.
"Now your name will be «Vernnion». Is good to see that you finally understood your past mistakes, and decided to reenter in the Vecturion House".
The Mirror Me is confused. "What will i do if the real «Vernnion» returns?!".
A strong pressure from Verulkya flattens the postures of the people present, basically forcing everyone to prostrate. "You had no qualms about trying to kill your own Counterpart…".
"He is not part of my Family!". The Mirror Me complains, not caring if he has offended his Aunt.
But surprise abolish his initial impetus, not expecting the harsh response.
"There are no weaklings in «My House». The real Vernnion was executed by my own hand for being an irreverent waste, «You» are in a similar situation, and if you don't like Vurckair, remember «You» made him part of «My Family». Take accountability for your actions, even your mediocre Puny Holy Knights understand and honour this trend".
Verulkya dispells the pressure imbued by her telekinetic prowess, removing the enhanced gravity too.
"My future Daughter-in-law. Seinnissia Sunderzen. I am aware that your family greatly detests those who come to Loutharn through an Exodus, and i have disrespected you with my lashing fury. If you want to end the engagement. I will not raise or impose any objection".
"Venerable Mother-in-law. I appreciate the consideration, but it will not be necessary".
Seinnissia stands beside me, hugging my arm, demurely, but conveying our closeness.
"I don't dislike Vurckair".
An amused smuggling smile is cracked in the serious mature woman. "I see. Perhaps you two already?…".
"I am a Virgin". Seinnissia states, evoking a mischievous smirk from Verulkya, who glance at the towering muscular woman.
The latter nods to reaffirm My Fiancée's statement, somehow displeasing Verulkya, refocusing on the primordial topic.
"You two, Vernnion and Vurckair, will have to earn your place back in the Dormitory. Good luck in the Barracks".
"Venerable Aunt". Interjects Vestaria. "I know i'm out of place. But. Could you be more considerate with Vurck. He has nothing…".
"I am accepting him into the Family, paying for his tuition at the Lyceum, and his lodging".
"But the barracks are now a real dump". The muscular woman says. "It would be better if he slept outdoors. With how cramped the Barrack's Rooms are, they are not different than an execution chamber. He could die with the odor from others".
"How exaggerated you are, Girlande". Scoffs Verulkya.
"I am not. The rooms have three five-tiered bunk beds, and there is barely any space in-between them. A cell in a dungeon-prison is cleaner and more comfortable".
Verulkya sighs. "This is to convey my fairness with both. 2000 Crowns". A belt is thrown to Vernnion, and other to me.
He complies. "What about my engagement with?!…".
"You even have the impudent gall to talk about it?!. You imbecile!. The Sunderzen House abhors those who use the Exodus. You were supposed to be different. That is why the relationship of our Houses is so awry and superficial… , Prove yourself worthy, and marriage proposals will rain down on you. Unlike Women. Men are still good to go, for as long as you can «Lift it up»".
{Rude, but true?}.
"Does it matter to be 25 years old and not being married?". I ask, noticing mixed emotions on everyone.
"My Fulgent Fiancé. At 25, we lose the ability to get our Virginity corroborated by others, just like Deaconess Gadrigoth did. Not many would be so bold to marry with «Used Goods», even if they remained untouched".
{That sounds so stupid!. Well, Different world, distinct point of view. In the end, another advantage for me}.
"All of you can leave now". Says Verulkya. "I do not share my table with those who cannot pass 20 tiles, but if any of you manage to do 35 steps, feel free to join me, whenever you feel like it".
"What happens at 50?". I blurt, curious about the answer.
"You can find out when you are able to do it".
"Challenge accepted".
Even though i want to gut the Mirror Me. It's not a viable course of action, Verulkya can clearly take me out with a single wave of her hand. Perhaps a thought could suffice.
"Vurckair, right?". Calls for me Girlande. "Let me take you, and your two paramours to breakfast".
"I have to decline". Vestaria says with a dim sternness. "My friend is waiting for me". She strays away downcasted, murmuring to herself. "I knew my aunt would not accept us".
{It's certainly harder to accept something when you were already expecting it to not occur, because the possibility, for smaller that could be, it was still there, giving hope, but mercilessly shattering it without further ado when the outcome reaches it's culmination}.
Girlande deliver a friendly heavy slap on my back. "While we are eating, you can decide to stay where my sister works. I am sure you'll enjoy the place. The food is delicious, and the Landlady is my close friend, i can put a good word for you «Handsome»".
She winks at me, my hand moving faster than my thought process, landing my open palm on Girlande's buttocks, smacking and groping the large rigid flesh.
"Remember this about me, Girlande. I come from a world where equity is law. Don't provoke me…".
"I wasn't…". She says stiffly, not complaining about my touch. "But the Landlady will do it for sure"…