Almost as if she was in a daze, Rin continued to walk down the streets. She stopped for a good while in the markets, maybe almost several hours, buying and bartering for goods. She peered into her basket, and saw what she had bought; a chunk of beef, some eggs, loaves of plain bread, and several pieces of assorted fruit. Even with all of that hollering, pleading, and bribing, all she could get out of what small amount of money she had, was these. Sighing heavyheartedly, Rin slowly started to make her way home, back to her little cottage near the ocean.
However, suddenly, for some odd reason, she felt like someone was watching her. Quickening her pace, she swerved into a narrower, less crowded street. She had no idea where she was going... but she had to get these people off her trail. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see some movement, following her. Clutching her produce, she broke into a sprint, hearing footsteps shuffling after her. It was time she panicked. Rin's mind whirled, her heart beating vigorously. Suddenly something grabbed her arm, whisking her away into another alley. Scared half to death, she tried to scream, but a cool hand clamped over her mouth. She struggled to break free from the stranger's grip. But then, a soothing male voice whispered, "Shhh. Don't move. I'm here to help you." Her blue eyes widening, she gazed up at the man who held her against him. He had almost-shoulder length, silky blonde hair that framed his handsome face. His beautiful blue eyes were slightly narrowed, sharply watching for her attackers. He hesitantly let his hand drop, uncovering her mouth. She opened her mouth to protest, but he silenced her again by placing a slim finger upon her lips. He looked down at her, and in his eyes, she could read, "Don't say a word."
The sound of footsteps approached nearer, and Rin could tell that there was more than one person coming after her. The blonde man grabbed her hand in his, and started to break into a run. Rin had no choice but to go with him as well. Puzzlingly, even as they were running, their feet made no sound whatsoever. She could feel her small feet, pounding after him, but the sound of their echoing footsteps were absent. He suddenly swerved around a corner, and into another alley. There, he suddenly stopped, letting Rin catch her breath. Running footsteps could be heard, thundering after them. They got louder and louder, signaling that they were approaching quickly, much to Rin's terror. Suddenly, the blonde man slung an arm around her slim waist, and pulled her close to him. He pressed himself against the wall, and held Rin against him. Her heart fluttered, and she could feel heat rising to her cheeks. Both of them tensed, and they could hear the murmurs of men, not more than 3 feet away from them.
"Where did she go?"
"She was right here..."
"Uh-oh. The boss isn't gonna be happy about this..."
"Who's this boss they're speaking of..?" Rin wondered. It was very hard to even think at all, having this man be not more than a few inches away from her. His hair tickled her face and she could hear his now slower, rhythmic breathing. Her own heart was still racing, but she didn't think it was merely because of the fact that she was being hunted down...
Eventually, the mumbles and footsteps of the men slowly faded a little bit. Motioning that she still be silent, the man let her go, just to take her hand in his. Peering his head cautiously out, he examined the alleyway. It seemed to be safe, for he guided her out, gently, by the hand.
"Who were those people?" Rin exclaimed, pulling her hand free from his grasp.
"A mafia, by the looks of it." He replied, still gazing around, watchful and sharp.
"Why were they after me? Why did you help me? And who are you?" A jumbled mix of questions tumbled from Rin's lips. She was bewildered. Her eyes once more wide, she backed away from him.
"Woah woah, one question at a time, please!" The man chuckled as he smiled down at her. The hard look in his eyes melted into a much softer gaze. Spreading his hands out in a grand gesture, he announced, "I am Howl, a Wizard!"
Rin's mouth dropped open and he let out a little gasp. "You..! You're a wizard? Howl the wizard?" She blinked at him in shock.
Laughing he replied, "Why, yes. That's yours truly! A pretty snazzy one, if I do say so myself! Guess I'm pretty famous around here, huh..."
"So... you used magic to keep them from hearing our footsteps?" Rin asked slowly.
"Sure did! My, you seem like quite the intelligent little lady." He cocked his head to the side as he stared at her. Smile turning into a tight lipped line, he replied, "Oh, and I honestly don't know why they were following you. Sorry."
Rin bit her lip and nodded, trying to figure things out herself. Suddenly she looked up at him. "Why did you rescue me, though?"
"I... I'm not sure, myself!" Howl seemed to confused by his actions as well. "Really, what made me rescue this girl?" "Hey, where were you headed to? I'll be your escort." He suddenly asked, holding out his arm and smiling at her once more.
Rin hesitantly placed a small hand on his arm. "I was going home. To my little cottage. But, I have no idea how to get back... it seems that I've wandered quite a way off from the route I'm familiar with..."
"Oh, I see." Howl murmured. "And what about your family? Won't they be looking for you? It'll get dark soon..." He commented, looking up at the setting sun.
Rin sadly replied, "No, no one will be looking for me." She lowered her head as tears welled up in her sky blue eyes.
Howl seemed to notice this, as he stopped, and gently touched her arm. "What? Why would your family not be worried about you?"
Rin blinked back her tears and replied, "...I have no family to go back to. I was the only child. My father went to join the war, to fight for this kingdom and this nation... and my mother died from an illness a few years ago, back then I was 16. I..I don't even know if my father is still alive..! It's... it's been years since I last saw him..." She couldn't help but break into uncontrollable tears. She buried her face into her hands, sobs racking her body.
Howl also stooped a bit, and rubbed her back. "Shhh, don't cry... I know how it feels... to live by yourself... to be alone." He slowly took off the coat he had draped around his shoulders, and put them on Rin's. Sniffling, she looked up, straightening up a bit. Wiping the tears from her eyes, she smiled weakly. "T-thank you.." She croaked. Tears still slowly ran down her face.
Howl merely smiled down gently at her, wrapping an arm around her and his jacket. He gazed up at the dying red sun, and thought, "What a cruel life she's been living... But... I think I've had it worse."