Crimson Overlord

Freya's hesitation was merely due to her feeling. She was afraid that this feeling- if already is Love- would go deeper. And, she could not forget herself being curse by her own father. If things went the way she thought they would, she'll surely die.

But at this point, she is presented with another problem, wherein the solution is, at the same time, presented. She have nowhere to go and Ruslan has been offering a place for her to go.

"Alright then. I accept your offer. I owe you one." Freya said with a smile. As for her, only a little self-control would make things better.

"Excellent" Ruslan muttered.

°°°

They arrived safely at Ruslan's small shelter. It was already dark- as they still used their time getting to know each other while chatting on different restaurants and having Freya toured around the town- and the moon enlightens the entire village. This village, where Ruslan's house is located, was three kilometers away from the town square. Unlike a while ago, it is far peaceful here.

Ruslan's house was built up from mixed sturdy woods and cement. Outside it is a small porch covered with small bushes and flowers.

"Beautiful!" Freya exclaimed as she picked up a rose "Who planted all these?"

"Er… I did!" Ruslan told her.

"Excellent! I would surely love living in this place!" Freya exclaimed as she jogged towards the door.

Ruslan opened the door. Inside were different furniture made up of sturdy woods arranged perfectly. The small bulb was on- lighting up almost the entire living room adjoined by the dining room. It is quite narrow inside. There were a lot of things inside- compressed.

"Wow! Good evening to everyone!" Freya greeted.

"Haha!" Ruslan laughed. "Unfortunately, I am the only one who lives here."

"Ha?" Freya murmured- abashed.

"Oh. Sorry I never told you"

"It's… fine. But, where's your family?"

"Ah, They… they're all… gone"

"But why?"

"Oh, umm… It's a long story!" Ruslan simulated. A big grin flashed on his face.

"Fine." Freya said as she headed towards the wooden couch and sat.

"So, what do you want to eat? For dinner." Ruslan asked while heading for the kitchen which is just across.

"Oh… I'm still full. Thanks anyway. And also for the food and the clothes that you bought me a while ago. I am really sorry for not having any penny with me. But I swear that I will pay you back immediately. For now, let me just help you on …. Housekeeping!" Freya exclaimed with so much joy.

"Hmmn… It's so nice of you. It looks very interesting to have you in a shelter. By the way, your room will be the room at your right. I hope you'll like it." Ruslan told her without giving any look. He is busy preparing the food.

Freya stood up and walked towards the room. As soon as she reached the door, she opened it and saw a very elegant wooden bed covered with pink floral blankets and a small lampshade beside. The pink thick curtains hang loosely as they beckoned with the rhythm of the breeze. The bloody red wall did work well with the brown tiles of the floor.

"Wow!" she exclaimed. Then, she smelled something exhortative. She looked over her shoulders and saw the food Ruslan has cooked, now at the tiny dining table.

"Hmmn" she sighed "Very appetizing!"

"Haha. You're free to eat!" Ruslan muttered "C'mon. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth".

Freya smiled sweetly. She proceeded to the dining table and sat.

"Chow down!" Ruslan exclaimed with a burst of exuberance.

As they polished off the oriental style dish, Freya suddenly agnized something.

"By the way, why is that room so lovely? I mean, as if it was carefully designed for a lady. Did you have any relationship with someone?

Ruslan grinned. "Hopefully"

"Ha?" Freya uttered. Confused.

"Hopefully I will be committed to someone" he said in a very recognizable voice.

"Then, why it is-"

"Because I have sensed you coming" he said immediately that Freya failed to continue her statement.

Suddenly, Freya was wrapped with surprise and confusion as she finished the food on her plate.

Ruslan smiled sweetly and then spoke "You seem full. Have a good night!" Then he stood up and held the plates with his both hands and put at the sink.

A few seconds later, she stood up and went to her bedroom.

* * *

The sunlight was directly brightening up Freya's face as she opened her eyes. She fell asleep as she was in reverie last evening. She forgot to wash up. She rose up immediately and went directly to the bathroom. Luckily, Ruslan wasn't up yet or else, he might just laugh at her for not washing up.

The bathroom was far from what she was accustomed with. There wasn't any tub, just a shower. She felt a little agitated but there wasn't anything she can do. More, the toilet bowl was just beside the shower- just a piece of thin curtain separate the two. She showered and dressed up with a red skirt and a velvet blouse.

She looked for a time piece but she couldn't find any. She just thought of preparing breakfast for Ruslan but she doesn't know how. Instead, she just proceeded with the housekeeping though it is her first time to do it.

A few seconds later, Ruslan was up and went out of the room. As he opened the door, he saw Freya sweeping the floor uncomfortably. He smiled.

Freya turned her back and saw him smiling. She smiled in return and after laughed. She realized that Ruslan was still wearing the same clothing he was wearing yesterday.

They spent the whole day with so much laughter and a lot of learnings.

°°°

* * *

Days, Weeks, Months had passed. They got to know each other very well. They found each other in a very profound love with each other but they haven't told each other yet. Freya for instance, was controlling her feeling with all her force but it just won't subside.

They were eating their lunch as usual when Ruslan spoke with prior sincerity.

"I am an elf."

"Wh…at?" Freya said. Surprised.

"I am a Peredhil, a Halfling. Half human and half elf" he muttered.

Freya was still in shock. She never thought of Ruslan being an elf though he has been showing some signs. What kept her very hard to accept this truth is her insight towards elf. She could never tell her secret- the reason why she is now in front of him- for she knew very well that it could hurt his feelings. She refused from being married to an elf- because of its fearsome looks. She never knew that an elf could look like this- very far from how she described it for herself. Abash flashed on her face.

But at some point, this is a different story. She loves Ruslan very much. She is in love with an elf badly.

"It's… er …. Great!" she exclaimed. "Honestly, I never know an elf could look like this. Very… lovable!"

A huge grin flashed on Ruslan's face.

"I love you" he said sincerely.

Freya's heart beat faster. Her feelings indescribable- mixed misery and joyfulness.

They both looked into each other's eyes- forgetting the food on the table. A few seconds later, Freya spoke softly. She is now very determined to tell him the whole happening that changed her life.