i. first sight

The first time they met was during a regular meeting for the provincial Guild Masters. Everyone in Lamia Scale knew Ooba has always harboured an intense dislike for Guild Master Jiemma after Sabertooth had overtaken Lamia Scale as the strongest guild in Fiore. Everyone also knew of their Master's rash and troublesome personality, so they always elected either Jura or Lyon to accompany her whenever the Guild Masters' meetings were held.

This year, it was Lyon's turn. He was twenty-four when he first met Minerva Orland.

They had bumped into each other on his way into the meeting room. She had captured his attention solely because he has never seen anyone accompanying Jiemma before.

Long dark hair tied into a pair of braids rested over her shoulders, and even in her casual Eastern-style dress, she moved like a Queen. It was hard to take your eyes off such a woman.

"Hmph, leaving the meeting early as always. Who does he thinks he is?" Ooba grumbled as both pairs passed each other. Lyon glanced at the intimidating man carefully, but he didn't seem to have heard, just continued walking without looking at either of them.

He turned back just as Minerva passed him. She stopped briefly, watching him with a thin smirk on her lips. He felt his breathing hitched in his throat before she looked away and continued on her way.

"Move faster, Lyon!" Ooba barked impatiently. He released his breath and hurried after the elderly woman. His heart raced beneath his ribcage and he tried not to think about how green her eyes were.

He didn't know who she was until a month later.