(14) The Girl With the Stew

Aleodei glanced toward Claire. Claire and Belm were volunteering their spare time in the cafeteria. Belm smiled, Aleodei narrowed her eyes. Why would active soldiers give their limited spare time to do this? Aleodei sat at the corner of the cafeteria. Usually, she ventured outside to get her meals because she was afraid she'd be poisoned, but she couldn't miss the beef stew they made. She was waiting for the person to bring her food, as she was going to eat it in her room. She twiddled her thumbs and cursed herself for coming during the diner rush. Claire laughed loudly bringing Aleodei's attention back to the couple. Belm was covered in grey sauce. Aleodei scowled toward their direction.

"Paladin, your stew," a girl came up to her. Aleodei stood quickly to receive it.

"Thank you very much," she said as she bowed her head slightly. The girl smiled.

"My name's Duin," she smiled as she handed Aleodei her stew. Aleodei nodded and put her free hand delicately on her chest.

"Aleodei," she said gently. Duin smiled softly, Aleodei noted this girl couldn't be more than thirteen years old, a child.

"I haven't gotten out of headquarters in years... I'm always stuck in the kitchen. is it beautiful out there?" she asked yearningly. Aleodei's immediate response rose to her tongue. It's grey and war plagued. but biting her tongue she nodded slowly. she could not inflict this child with sadness.

"past the war, nature is beautiful and wonderous," Aleodei carefully responded. Duin marveled at this seemingly shallow description. she grinned joyfully.

"I trust you'll end this war so that I can finally see this beauty you describe," she said full of hope. Aleodei tightened her grip on the little to-go bowl. She didn't want to give this child false hope. "You know I don't know why there's so much bad talk about you, you seem really nice," she said smiling sincerely. "If you ever want a tour of the kitchen, you know where to find me," she said before she turned and left back into the kitchen.

Aleodei stood there. tears fell from her mask. What if I can't show her the outside? What if she realizes I lied to her? They're all depending on me. She sniffed quickly and shook her head to get ahold of herself.