Aribelle pulled the hood of her cloak further over her face. Tipping its edge downward as a cold breeze rustled past, she waited impatiently in the shadows of the City Watch barracks.
Night only just beginning to set in, Aribelle went unnoticed by the many civilians who passed her on the street. On their way home after having been released from their daily toils or too caught up in the excitement of their evening merry making, none so much as glanced at her quiet figure amongst them in the alley. Removed from the light of barracks windows, Aribelle stood obscured from the view of its officers.
Bowing her head as though she were a drowsy sentry leaning beside the building, she contemplated all that had occurred that day. Although, her suspicious conduct had often afforded her frequent to brushes with the law and its enforcers. None had been quite so frightening as her recent run ins with the Captain of the Lion Guard.
Mentioned within the original plot of `Forbidden Heart` as a supporting character. There had not been much to suggest the major character flaws of Captain Nero Artegon within the text. Often shown as aiding Prince Orion Vencenza in his romantic and political endeavors. Captain Artegon was painted as loyal supporter of the main protagonists', to Aribelle's memory.
Although, accompanying the Prince into battles and foiling several malicious plots against him, the Captain's personality was not described in great detail. Considering it more thoroughly now, Aribelle began to draw parallels between the frequency of his appearances and the conflicts within the original plot. His role mostly justified once it was contextualized by the fact that the young Prince needed a dependable protector from his many foes. Aribelle reviewed some of his conduct in a more circumspect manner. She wondered whether some of his more radical methods of conflict resolution had been omitted, or simply been overlooked in the novel.
Still mulling this over in her mind, Aribelle shrunk back into the shadows as a few Watchmen passed her by. Conscious of the risks of leaving the security of the Abbey so soon after her encounter with Captain Nero Artegon, Aribelle was sensible enough to err on the side of caution. However, with the imminence of her leaving the capital becoming increasingly certain, there was one question she could not bear to leave unanswered.
Seeing a large muscular frame of a man approach, Aribelle slunk towards it. Uttering a greeting as he neared the barrack door, Aribelle spoke mutedly, "Evening Mikel." Whether it was the sudden address or the unexpected identity of the person who said it, the Watchman jumped back in surprise. Peering around guardedly, Mikel too then joined her in the mantle of the dim light.
Taking her by the shoulders, he ushered them both back until the darkness grew so thick that it was difficult to even see the expression on his face clearly. "What are you doing here?" He whispered, obviously curbing the inclination to raise his voice.
"I can't be expected to sit around playing damsel in distress all of the time, Mikel." Replied Aribelle annoyed.
"Captain Artegon is after you, it's foolish for you to even step one foot out of the Abbey." Mikel scolded, making sure his body was well in front of her, so as to shield her from any of the prying eyes on the street. Their proximity forcing Aribelle to tilt her chin upward in order look at him directly. She regarded him crossly, inquiring, "And how might you know that Mikel?"
An agonized sigh escaping him, upon hearing unbridled the suspicion in her tone. Aribelle stared at him reprovingly, as she awaited a response. However, Aribelle soon came to understand what Mikel was hesitant to explain. Her eyes gradually adjusting to the darkness, Aribelle could clearly make out his cut and bloodied lip, and the bruises on his face. Apparent now, that she was not the only one to be subjected the Captain of the Lion Guard's interrogation techniques that day, she became ashamed of her accusations.
Touching the gash on his lip sadly, Aribelle mumbled sympathetically, "I see."
"Ari, I'm sorry." Mikel answered, his hands clutching onto her shoulders more desperately as he slouched mortified by yet unspoken offense. "I thought you would be safe at the Abbey. I didn't imagine he would go there like that." He explained.
"So, it was you?" Aribelle asked, a little dejected at having her suspicions confirmed.
"I'm truly sorry, Ari. They questioned me for hours and threatened to remove me from the City Watch." Gritting his teeth, Mikel loathingly admitted, "I-I shouldn't have said anything but- "Aribelle stopped him, shaking her head from side to side in disagreement.
She would never ask him to endure harsh punishment or lose a position he had worked all of his life to achieve, only to defend her ill-kept secret. If anything, she blamed herself for having exposed it to him in the first place. Lamenting that her secret had caused her friend to be placed in such a dreadful predicament, Aribelle could not find it within her to be angry with him for his betrayal. "I should apologize to you too, Mikel. I caused you to suffer." Aribelle replied repentant.
"Aribelle," Mikel stated sternly, "you shouldn't have to apologize for the actions of that vindictive man. It just makes me feel more wretched than I already am."
Smiling sheepishly at one another, some of the tension began to dissipate between them. Relaxing in their stances, Mikel remained mindful of his duty to ensure Aribelle was protected from view. Their conversation moderately more comfortable after coming to an understanding, it did not make the next topic any less serious. "The Captain has made it very clear that the Church's protection means very little to him." Aribelle observed gravely.
Catching on to her implied meaning quickly, Mikel responded, "You're leaving then?"
"With Barnibus, at dawn." Aribelle confirmed.
"It's sooner than planned, but I guess there's not much to be done about it." Mikel said regretfully. Releasing his grip from her shoulders, Mikel stepped back resigned to accept her abrupt departure. Regarding her forlornly for some time, Mikel committed her face to memory as best he could, before saying somberly "I suppose, I should see you back then."
Walking Aribelle to the Abbey, they parted ways with a prolonged embrace in the square. So, far removed from the bustling main streets, they could see each other clearly now as they made their despondent good-byes. Separating from her, Mikel paused before remarking contritely, "I better not go in. I suspect Barnibus will kill me if we run into each other."
"I'll explain it to him." Aribelle assured, "I'm sure he can't be angry with you forever."
Mikel chuckled mildly at this comment, "I'm no so sure about that." He replied.
Both looking sadly at each other once more, Aribelle touched Mikel's arms gently.
"Take care of yourself Mikel." She said, too upset at the thought of actually uttering the words 'good-bye'.
"You too Ari." He answered, smiling dejectedly. Before both diverted along their different paths away from one another.