Chapter Text
Rahu swept into the grand, timeworn City Hall, the heavy doors groaning in protest as she entered. Snow clung stubbornly to her long, dark coat, melting in glistening trails down her tall frame. Her purposeful strides echoed across the marble floor, each step a sharp punctuation in the cavernous foyer. She stopped at the reception desk, fixing the staff with an unwavering stare. "I need to speak with someone in charge. I’m searching for a woman named Varna. I have reason to believe she passed through here."
The receptionists – each one pale, blonde, and wearing the same unsettling, practiced smile – shared a silent glance. "Our town representatives are quite busy at the moment," one replied, her tone clipped and dismissive. "Perhaps you could return another time?"
Rahu’s jaw tightened, her patience thinning. "Listen, I don’t care how busy they are. My mentor is missing, and I need answers. Now. "
The tension in the air was palpable, thickening as voices rose. Then, from the grand staircase, a figure descended – hair bright as magenta satin, smile gentle yet enigmatic.
"Is there a problem?" the mysterious woman inquired softly. She regarded Rahu with the calm confidence of someone accustomed to command, her presence shifting the energy in the room.
Rahu's gaze raked over the stranger, absorbing every detail of her striking appearance. The woman's vibrant hair, adorned with white gradient tips, stood in bold contrast to the pale blonde locks of the receptionists – an unexpected splash of color in a town otherwise defined by its starkness. Yet beneath her gentle demeanor, something elusive flickered – an impression that her quiet presence concealed hidden depths.
"I'm seeking information about someone who is very important to me," Rahu said, her voice softer now, though the urgency remained. "The last time she reached out, she mentioned the nearest city, which is quite a distance from here. Although I couldn't find much, I learned about this place from there. I need to know if she has been here, if she is safe."
The woman's eyes flickered with a hint of something inscrutable as she studied Rahu's face, but her smile remained unwavering as she took a step closer. "I see. You must be deeply concerned for her well-being. Regrettably, I don’t have the information you seek. But if you wish, I can escort you to the town council."
Rahu’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of suspicion shadowing her features. "And why would you help me?" she asked with a voice laced with a blend of curiosity and guarded caution. The town’s frigid atmosphere, the sterile uniformity of its inhabitants, and their dismissive reception had done little to inspire trust.
"You don't know me, and yet you're offering to help a stranger in your town without due formalities?"
The woman’s smile grew subtly enigmatic, as if she held a private secret close. "Let’s just say I have my reasons. But I assure you, my intentions are sincere. Come now, let me guide you. Perhaps together we can find the answers you’re searching for.”
Rahu hesitated for a moment, her instincts urging her to remain cautious. Yet the desperation to find Varna ultimately outweighed her apprehension. "Lead the way, then," she nodded curtly with a mix of gratitude and unease.
As they traversed through the labyrinthine corridors of the old Town Hall, footsteps muffled by rich carpets and the hush of history, Rahu couldn't shake the sensation that the shorter woman was scrutinizing her closely. While they passed ornate furnishings and solemn portraits gazing down from gilded frames, Rahu’s eyes darted, cataloging every detail with a critical eye. The woman beside her seemed attuned to Rahu’s restless energy, sensing the torrent of unspoken questions simmering just beneath the surface.
"Why are you really helping me?" Rahu finally broke the silence that had settled between them. "What’s in it for you?"
The lady’s face gave nothing away. "As a member of the town's leadership, it is my duty to ensure the safety of everyone who comes to Paradeisos. That includes you too."
Her gaze searched Rahu's face for a moment. "Besides, you are a new presence in our town. It is only natural for us to extend a welcome and offer our assistance. We take pride in being a close-knit community."
As they approached the doors to the council chambers, the enigmatic guide turned to face Rahu directly. "However, I must caution you," she said, adopting a more serious tone, "Our town has its own ways and traditions. It is essential that you understand and respect them if you truly wish for your journey to bear fruit."
With a gentle push, the woman opened the heavy doors, ushering Rahu into the council chamber – a grand space with a soaring, vaulted ceiling and a long, polished table at its heart. At the head of the table sat another group of pale, light-haired individuals, all wearing the same unsettling smile.
Rahu's eyes narrowed as she took in the sight of the assembled council members. Their identical appearance left an impression of some monolithic coherent extraterrestrial life form, sending a chill down her spine. She forced herself to straighten up, her imposing frame a stark contrast to their delicate, almost ethereal appearances.
"Greetings," Rahu's voice resonated in the cavernous room. "I am searching for a woman named Varna. I lost contact with her, and my investigations have led me to believe that she may have visited this place. I need to confirm whether my suspicions are correct."
The council members exchanged glances, their smiles never wavering. The one at the head of the table, a man with piercing white eyes, spoke up.
"Ah, I’m sorry. You see, the weather conditions of our closest areas can oftentimes interfere with communication devices’ signals. I’m sure that no matter who you are looking for, there is no need for concern. After all, no one would venture here unprepared. But we are a busy council, you understand. So many matters to attend to, for the good of our beloved town."
Rahu's jaw clenched, frustration building within her. "I understand. But this is my mentor we're talking about. Surely you can spare a moment to help me find her?"
The councilman's smile only grew wider, more infuriatingly vacant. "Of course, we would love to help, my dear. Truly. But alas, we simply don't have any information to give you at the moment. Perhaps you should try back later, hmm?"
Rahu's hands clenched into fists at her sides, nails digging into her palms through the material of her gloves. She could feel the anger rising within her, the urge to reach across the table and shake the truth out of them. But she held herself back, knowing that violence would only worsen her predicament.
Instead, she drew a steadying breath, refusing to let them see just how deeply their evasiveness unsettled her.
"Thank you for your time," Rahu said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
She turned to leave, only to feel the lady's hand on her arm, gently guiding her towards the door. "Come. Let's give them some time to consider your request. I'm sure they'll come around soon enough."
As they stepped out of the chamber, Rahu couldn't shake the feeling that she had just been brushed off. The council's vague answers and dismissive attitudes only fueled her determination to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.
Rahu scoffed at the receptionists and stormed out of the building, her mind raced with a whirlwind of emotions. The cold air bit at her cheeks as she marched through the snow-blanketed streets, each step punctuated by the crunch of her boots on the icy ground.
Lost in thought, Rahu barely registered the woman matching her pace until her soft voice broke through the silence. "You know, they’re not always like that. The council, I mean. They have their reasons for being... evasive."
Rahu shot her a sharp look, frustration etched across her face. "And what reasons could they possibly have for brushing off someone searching for a missing person?"
"It's not my place to say. But I can help you look for her, if you'll let me. I know this town better than most, and I have access to resources that you may not."
Rahu hesitated, weighing her options. The woman’s offer was tempting, but the lingering doubts about her motivations nagged at her.
Rahu paused mid-step, this stranger's words sinking in. In her relentless search for Varna, she realized she hadn’t even asked for a name – a lapse that spoke to her single-minded urgency and the guarded instincts shaped by her difficult past. In a town as insular and secretive as this, help rarely came without strings attached.
Still, Rahu extended her hand, her tone both a greeting and a subtle challenge. "I’m Rahu. And you are?"
The lady responded with her customary small smile, placing her delicate hand into Rahu’s much larger palm. Despite her imposing build, Rahu’s handshake was surprisingly gentle – an adjustment, the woman guessed, made out of consideration for her own slight frame. "Shalom, pleasure to meet you, Rahu."
"Pleasure to meet you too, Shalom. Now that we've been properly introduced, I can't help but wonder why you're so eager to help me. What's your stake in all this?" Rahu released the dainty hand and folded her arms across her chest, her gray gaze steady and unflinching as she studied the woman for any sign of deception. Around them, the wind whipped cold and restless, swirling snow at their feet, but Rahu stood unmoved.
Shalom met her scrutiny with composure. "As I mentioned, it’s my responsibility as part of the town’s leadership to ensure the well-being of everyone who comes to Paradeisos. But if I'm being honest, I’ve seen a remarkable strength and determination in you, even in this short time. It’s clear you won’t rest until you find the one you hold dear, no matter what stands in your way. I respect that."
She paused, weighing her next words carefully. Since their first encounter, Shalom had been quietly observing Rahu, piecing together the fragments of her dashing character. One more exchange, she thought, might help solidify the picture in her mind.
"Tell me, Rahu, have you had a chance to eat anything since your arrival? The journey must have been long and taxing, and I imagine you'll need your strength for the search ahead. There's a charming little inn not far from here, where we could both grab a bite. What do you say?"
Rahu glanced at the grand clock towering above the Town Hall, its hands indicating the hour when most people would typically be settling down for a midday meal. A pang of guilt hit her, realizing she had likely interrupted Shalom’s own lunch plans with her heated confrontation with those sickly-looking jerks. She rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly, a gesture that betrayed her embarrassment.
"I appreciate the offer, but I wouldn’t want to impose on your day any more than I already have. I’m sure you have your own responsibilities to attend to, and I hate the thought of taking more of your time," as she spoke, Rahu's expression took on a look of sheepishness, a hint of the tough exterior cracking to reveal a glimmer of vulnerability. To Shalom, the gesture reminded her of a cute puppy, eager to please but also aware of its own misdeeds. She smiled to herself at the thought, finding it oddly endearing.
"No need to apologize, I'm more than happy to take a break to help a newcomer get settled. Besides, I have a feeling that a shared meal might do wonders for clearing the mind and fostering a sense of... camaraderie. The inn I mentioned is just a short walk from here. And really, I insist that you join me. Think of it as a welcoming gesture from the people of Paradeisos to one of its newest visitors," with those words, Shalom began to walk down the street, glancing back over her shoulder to make sure Rahu was following.
Rahu hesitated a moment longer, she couldn't shake the feeling that Shalom was a skilled diplomat, someone who knew how to make things go her way. There was a calculating glint in those mismatched eyes, a hint of a sharp mind working behind the gentle facade.
Despite her caution, Rahu found herself grudgingly respecting Shalom's finesse. She was a wildcard to be sure, but one that Rahu sensed could be valuable to keep close, at least for now. Her instincts warned her not to trust too quickly, but Rahu also recognized the advantage of keeping such an ally close.
With a small nod of acquiescence, Rahu fell into step beside Shalom, her long strides easily matching the other woman’s graceful pace.
They walked through the picturesque, snow-covered streets in silence, the only sound the crunch of their boots on the packed drifts. Rahu, more at home among the easy camaraderie of her military companions, found herself uncharacteristically uncertain. The usual bravado that served her so well seemed to falter in the presence of this poised, delicate woman, leaving her at a rare loss for words.
The hush stretched between them, punctuated only by the distant toll of the town hall clock and the soft swirl of wind. Rahu’s gaze drifted to the quaint facades and frosted windows, searching for something to anchor her thoughts.
At last, Shalom’s gentle voice broke the quiet. "I hope you don’t mind me asking, but where have you been staying since your arrival? And more importantly, have you been finding your time here enjoyable so far?"
Caught off guard, Rahu blinked, considering how to reply. "I’ve been staying at a small inn on the outskirts of town. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s clean and quiet – just what I need."
"As for enjoying my time here, " Rahu said, a wry edge to her voice. "Well, what do you think, given the circumstances? The scenery’s nice, I’ll give you that. But the people…" She trailed off, shaking her head. "They’re not like anyone I’ve ever met. It’s as if everyone’s hiding something."
She glanced at Shalom, curiosity flickering in her gray eyes. "What about you? You seem to fit in well enough. Are you a native?"
"I have called Paradeisos my home for many years now. It's a beautiful town, with a rich history and a close-knit community. I'm lucky to be a part of it. As for fitting in, well, I suppose I've had plenty of time to learn the ways of our people. They can be a bit much at times, I know, but they mean well. Deep down, they're all good people."
Shalom glanced at Rahu, a glimmer of something unreadable in her mismatched eyes. "You know, Rahu, I have a feeling that you and I are more alike than you might think. We're both outsiders in our own ways, aren't we? Both trying to navigate the complexities of this world and find our place in it." Shalom turned her gaze forward once more, her delicate features illuminated by the soft glow of the afternoon sun.
An outsider, she had said, despite her apparent ease and familiarity with the town. This notion struck Rahu as peculiar, difficult to reconcile with the polished, diplomatic woman walking beside her. Shaking her head slightly, she pushed these thoughts aside, resolute in her focus on the task at hand.
Seeing the inn come into view, Rahu marched toward the heavy wooden door, her long strides swiftly covering the distance. She reached out, grasping the handle and pulling the door open, holding it ajar for Shalom to pass through.
As the other woman glided across the threshold, Rahu couldn’t help but admire the graceful way she moved – her elegant frame a striking contrast to the sturdy, rustic interior of the inn.
Shalom turned to Rahu, flashing her a warm smile and a nod of approval.
They stepped further into the inn, absorbing the cozy atmosphere and the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread that wafted through the air.
As they entered the main dining area, a plump, rosy-cheeked woman with a flour-dusted apron hurried over to greet them. "Welcome, welcome!" she exclaimed, her voice as warm and inviting as the crackling fireplace in the corner.
It's when the woman noticed that for the first time the town's representative hasn’t come alone. The innkeeper’s gaze lingered on Rahu’s imposing figure, curiosity and a hint of apprehension flickering across her face.
"Miss Shalom," she greeted slightly breathless. "It’s a pleasure to see you again. And… who is your lovely companion? " Her eyes darted over Rahu, clearly intrigued by the newcomer’s striking presence.
Shalom offered a gracious smile. "This is Rahu," she introduced, gesturing to her companion. "She’s new to Paradeisos, and I thought it only right to show her the hospitality our town is known for."
The innkeeper nodded, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she ushered them to a table by the window. "Of course, of course. Please, make yourselves comfortable. Let me know when you’re ready to order."
As the innkeeper retreated, Shalom couldn’t help but notice the curious glances and whispered conversations that followed Rahu’s every move. The other patrons, clearly unaccustomed to outsiders – especially those arriving in the company of a town official – were captivated by the tall, dark-haired stranger, their interest palpable in the cozy, firelit room.
The councilwoman cast a sidelong glance at Rahu, who appeared blissfully unaware of the attention she was attracting. A small, amused smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "It seems you're causing quite a stir, Rahu. I've never seen so many curious glances directed at a newcomer before."
Rahu blinked, glancing around the room as if only just realizing the stares and whispers. She shrugged, an air of nonchalance settling over her features. "I'm not sure what you mean. It's not like I'm trying to draw attention to myself."
Shalom chuckled softly, shaking her head. "No, of course not. Some people are simply born with a certain... je ne sais quoi. And it seems you have it in spades." She paused, considering her next words carefully." You may find that your time here will be quite interesting, indeed."
Rahu blinked and turned her attention to the menu, brow furrowing slightly as she scanned the options. After a moment, she glanced up at her vis-à-vis.
"I'm not really picky. I'll eat just about anything. But I could go for something more nourishing, to be honest. It's been a long day. Do you have any recommendations, Shalom? You seem to know your way around this place." Judging by Shalom’s refined appearance, Rahu half-expected her to be a devotee of salads and delicate fare.
As if reading her thoughts, the woman laughed softly. "Oh, I may not look like it, yet I do enjoy a hearty meal from time to time. In fact, I recommend the Hunter's Stew, it's a house specialty, full of falling-off-the-bone tender meat and vegetables."
She paused, considering Rahu's imposing physique and the curious glances still being cast their way. "Of course, I imagine someone with your build might appreciate the Brawny Beefsteak as well. It's a thick cut, cooked to your liking, and served with a rich, red wine reduction. A meal fit for a warrior, as they say. But I must warn you," she added, her tone taking on a slightly teasing lilt, "if you order the steak, you might just put the other diners in the room to shame. They may not be used to seeing someone with such robust appetites."
Rahu considered the options, brow furrowing slightly. Then, a glint of determination entered her gray eyes. "I think I'll go for the Beefsteak," she declared, a note of competitiveness creeping into her tone. "If it's as good as you say, I'm up for a challenge. I like a hearty meal, and I like to push myself, physically and otherwise. Besides, it's been a while since I had a really good steak. Proper steak. The kind you have to work for." Rahu's voice took on a slightly wistful note, before hardening with resolve once more. "In fact..." she leaned forward slightly, fixing Shalom with a penetrating stare, "I bet I could eat two of those, easy. Maybe even three."
With that, they placed their orders.
Rahu leaned back in her chair, arms crossing over her chest. "My sergeant used to say that a proper diet is the key to peak performance. He was all about fueling the body with the right nutrients to keep us at the top of our game. Said we needed plenty of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs to power our muscles and keep our energy levels up." She shrugged, a hint of a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth as she remembered her time in the military. "But he also knew when to let us indulge a bit. Said we'd earned it, after all the hard work and sacrifices we put in. So a big, hearty steak now and then was okay. Guess that's why I'm feeling up for the challenge tonight. I've got the stamina to handle it."
Shalom tilted her head, a flicker of curiosity in her mismatched eyes. "Your sergeant sounds like a wise and insightful man," she commented, before hesitating slightly. "I'm curious, though – what happened to him? Is he still serving, or has he retired?" Her voice was almost tentative, guessing that the subject might be a sensitive one.
At the question, Rahu’s expression shuttered, a shadow passing over her features. She sat back, arms tightening across her chest. "He… didn’t make it."
For a moment, it seemed she might say more, but the words died on her lips. She shook her head slightly, as if to dispel the sudden heaviness, and straightened in her chair, posture stiffening almost imperceptibly. Clearing her throat, she redirected the conversation, her gaze sharpening as she fixed it on Shalom.
"Enough about my past," Rahu said, her tone adopting a forced casualness. "I’m curious about you, Shalom. You said you’ve been here a long time. What brought you to a place like this? And how did you manage to rise so high in the town’s ranks?"
Rahu leaned forward, elbows resting on the table, her posture subtly shifting to command the conversation.
"Come on, don’t be shy," she coaxed, a smirk tugging at her lips. "I bet a woman like you has quite the story. And I’m all ears."
Before Shalom could answer, a young waitress appeared, carefully setting steaming plates before them. The savory aroma of roasted meat and garlic mashed potatoes filled the air. Rahu’s eyes widened as she took in the two thick, glistening steaks on her plate, surrounded by a generous helping of vegetables. Across the table, Shalom’s stew simmered invitingly, rich with tender meat and fragrant herbs.
The waitress stepped back, her shy smile lingering. "Can I get you anything else, ladies?"
Shalom glanced at Rahu, amusement dancing in her eyes. "I think we’re all set for now," she replied, picking up her fork and gesturing to the feast before them. "Enjoy your meal, Rahu. I have a feeling you’ll appreciate the chef’s handiwork."
The two women turned their attention to their respective dishes, the clink of cutlery against ceramic the only sound as they began to eat. The flavors were rich and robust, the meal every bit as hearty and satisfying as Shalom had promised. As they ate, the earlier tension faded, replaced by a brief, companionable contentment.
Eventually, Rahu proved true to her bold claim. With a focus and determination that was almost palpable, she tackled each of the hearty dishes before her. She cut into the thick steaks with practiced efficiency, savoring each bite of the tender, juicy meat as she worked her way through the generous portions.
As Rahu set down her fork with a satisfied sigh, Shalom couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "Well, I must say, your sergeant trained you well. Not everyone can put away a meal like that and look as unphased as you do. There's more to you than meets the eye, Rahu," she mused, her mismatched gaze thoughtful. "You’re not just a woman of action, but one of conviction and endurance."
Rahu nodded, a flicker of satisfaction crossing her features. She then reached for the bill, intending to settle the tab and bring the meal to a close. However, before she could, a slender hand darted out, fingers wrapping around her wrist – halting her with a surprising firm grip.
"Please, allow me," Shalom said softly with a tone of gentle insistence. She signaled to the waitress and pressed a few bills into the girl's hand, more than enough to cover the cost of their meal, before dismissing her with a smile.
"Consider this a welcome to our lovely town. A small token of the hospitality and friendship I want to extend to you, Rahu."
"I appreciate the gesture, Shalom." Rahu’s reply was gruff but sincere. Accustomed to relying on no one but herself, she extracted her wrist from Shalom’s gentle grip and met her gaze squarely. "But I’m not one to be in anyone’s debt. We’ll settle up properly if our paths cross again." She stood, her chair scraping across the wooden floor – a final note to their brief camaraderie.
With the meal behind her, Rahu’s focus returned to her mission: uncovering the truth behind her mentor’s disappearance. She set out into the narrow, winding streets, intent on questioning the locals. Yet, everywhere she turned, she was met with closed doors and wary glances. Those she managed to approach hurried away, their answers evasive and eyes averted.
Rahu’s imposing presence may have fueled their mistrust, but the town’s collective silence left her with a growing sense of unease. She realized she would need to be more clever – and far more persistent – if she hoped to find the answers she sought.
As the sun began to set, casting an eerie glow over the town, Rahu retreated to her temporary lodgings to regroup and strategize. She would need to approach this differently tomorrow, perhaps with a more subtle touch. A thought flickered through her mind – Shalom. The woman seemed to have a finger on the pulse of the town. If anyone could help her navigate these treacherous waters, it might be her. Rahu made a mental note to seek her out in the morning and enlist her aid since she so kindheartedly offered.
In the meantime, the magenta-haired woman made her way back to the grand, imposing building that housed the Town Hall. Her mind was awhirl with thoughts of the intriguing woman she had just shared a meal with – Rahu, with her striking presence, her guarded past, and her single-minded determination to find her comrade.
As she settled into her opulent office, Shalom took out a pristine sheet of paper and began to scribe down the details of their encounter. She noted Rahu's behaviors, her military background, and her true purpose in coming to Paradeisos. The more she wrote, the more she couldn't shake the feeling that Rahu's presence here posed a certain threat to the delicate equilibrium the council had long maintained.
With a sense of unease, Shalom folded the paper carefully and placed it in a folder, labeling it with Rahu's name. She then opened the bottom drawer of her desk, revealing a cabinet filled with similar folders – each one detailing the history and intentions of every visitor to grace the town, whether permanent or temporary.
As she slid the folder containing Rahu's information into place, Shalom's gaze fell upon another folder. The name printed on the tab made her pause slightly.
Yes, Rahu needed to be monitored closely, the councilmember concluded. If she proved to be a threat to the town's council, it would be Shalom's responsibility to dissipate it.
After all, she was an expert at fixing things. A job's requirement.