The Truths Spoken In The Sea Of Lies

Hazel POV 2

Dinner small talk hums,

Lost eagle's shadow lingers,

War games on the horizon.

***

A tranquil ambience envelops the vast space. The air is saturated with the gentle warmth rising from the bathwater, creating a comforting embrace for those within. The temperature is meticulously maintained, offering a perfect balance between relaxation and revitalization.

The room itself is expansive, with high ceilings adorned with intricate mosaics and architectural details that reflect the grandeur of Roman design. Soft, diffuse light filters through small openings, casting a gentle glow over the scene. The walls are adorned with marble, creating an elegant aesthetic.

A single figure occupies the spacious bath, her melodic voice softly singing, adding a small touch to the tranquil atmosphere.

Rhea sang a soft and low melody. "—beauty does unfold, Not in looks, but in soul, a story to be told. So when the music flows, behold the bow and arrow's glow~"

She didn't know where the lyrics came from, or if it was a song she heard before and couldn't remember, all it took was one look at the golden Laurel hairpin, images followed, and so did the lyrics.

"Uh, Rhea?" Frank's voice echoed from the other side behind a wall. "Are you done?"

Rhea stood up and made her way out of the vast bath only to stop once she reached the stairs.

"Frank." Rhea's voice echoed. "I forgot to bring a towel."

There was a bit of a silence before Frank shouted. "I'll call one of the girls!"

It only took five minutes and a girl with reddish brown hair came in a towel in hand.

"Hey! Frank told me that you didn't bring a—"

Rhea turned to look at the girl and made her way up to her.

"T-t-t-ta-" The girl blushed to the neck and gulped. "Ah..."

"Thanks." Rhea took the towel and started to make her way out.

The girl gave a nervous chuckle. "Ahaa you're naked— No I mean thanks! NO I MEAN YOU'RE WELCOME HAVE A NICE BATH! " The girl runs away with her face red as a tomato.

What was that reaction? Rhea was confused.

"—And then she ran away because she saw me naked," Rhea said.

"Rhea..." Mister Helpful sighed.

Rhea frowned. "Is there something wrong with my body? I know the scar on my chest is big but it's not that horrible in my opinion."

"Rhea that's not it, it's more in the sense that she ... ah, found you attractive."

"I don't see it."

***

The campers were dressed for war. Their polished chain mail and greaves gleamed over purple T-shirts and jeans. Sword-and-skull designs decorated their helmets. Even their leather combat boots looked ferocious with their iron cleats, great for marching through mud or stomping on faces.

In front of the legionnaires, like a line of giant dominoes, stood their red and gold shields, each the size of a refrigerator door. Every legionnaire carried a harpoon-like spear called a pilum, a gladius, a dagger, and about a hundred pounds of other equipment.