Hello!
I'm back again with another chapter for Anna and Emmeryn. I have had major writer's block for most of this week, before having a flash of inspiration and writing this chapter in two days just to get it out on time. See what I do for you guys? In other news, special thanks to KratezAdventure for a great review, and Cormag Ravenstaff for a review.
As always, follow, favourite, review, and suggest a pairing. Next week... Some more Flavia and Sylvia!
Chapter 9
Anna flopped down onto the couch, exhausted. Running her fingers through her hair, she surveyed this week's measly profits. She felt as if she had lost her edge recently, due to the time taken caring for Emmeryn. Her skills as a merchant- as an Anna- were dull.
She heard soft footsteps approaching, and turned to see Emmeryn walk into the room. The former Exalt was resplendent in a sleeveless white dress, smiling as she saw that Anna had returned from selling her wares. She sat down next to the merchant and draped her arms around her shoulders, kissing her on the cheek.
"Welcome back, dear." Emmeryn murmured, her head resting on Anna's shoulder. Anna smiled broadly and wrapped an arm around her wife's waist. The merchant gave Emmeryn an affectionate peck on the cheek.
"You seem a bit down, dear." Emmeryn remarked concernedly. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, nothing..." Anna gave a dismissive wave. Emmeryn raised her head and gave her a sympathetic look.
"Come on, Anna." Emmeryn coaxed. "I know you. I can tell when something's wrong. Let me know what it is, and I can help."
Anna sighed. "It's just... I don't think I can do this whole... Merchant thing anymore. I've lost my touch. My edge. And I just..." She trailed off.
Emmeryn frowned, trying to find a way she could help. Anna winced internally. She could tell that Emmeryn was worried about her. She hated to make her worry.
"Well..." Emmeryn mused, after a few minutes. "I suppose... The only way to get over this is to spend more time at the stall."
Anna stared at her, taken aback. "But... Why would I want to spend more time there? I can't get my head into the right place. I can barely sell my most popular items!"
"Then how much help is sitting around here going to be?" Emmeryn softly admonished. "If you want to accomplish anything, you'll have to work at it." She smiled. "Maybe I'll even come with you to the shop. What do you think?"
Anna laughed gently. "Fine, but I blame you if we sell nothing."
Emmeryn made an exaggerated frown in mock indignation. "How dare you suggest that I'd do that badly!"
They both laughed.
"We're both gonna have to get up early to get to the shop, dear." Anna reminded Emmeryn as they headed up to bed, the evening sky rippling in shades of orange and purple.
"I'll just get you to wake me up early." Emmeryn replied. "Maybe some breakfast in bed...?" She added hopefully.
Anna looked over at her, a smirk forming on the merchant's lips. "I thought you didn't want me waiting on you hand and foot."
"I could maybe tolerate it... Just this once."
"I thought so."
