Silver chapter 11
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Tba- hm… it's just harmless co-habitation.
Arthur- I'll be sure to put a pillow between us.
Alfred- I did say the bed was big enough. No need to be so close.
Arthur- w-wait a second! I-I'm not going to sl-… lie in the same bed… as you.
Tba & Alfred-… *innocent* what's wrong with just saying sleep?
Arthur- unlike you two native little children-
Tba & Alfred- HEY! I'M NOT A KID!
Arthur- some people might take that the wrong way… moreover, Alfred's arm is still hurt. I wouldn't want to hit it and cause him more pain. I'll just sleep in the chair. It's no big deal.
Tba- until Francis comes along that is. Besides, Alfred wouldn't let you do that.
Arthur- I thought we had a deal.
Tba- I remember agreeing that he would appear after-
Alfred- waving hands wildly* g-guys! Spoilers!
Arthur- oh. I…I didn't notice…
Tba-…. *eating chips* I'll go check on my time line. … so Arthur, about that letter….
Arthur- oh yes, the first one was lost, the second was… my fault. The third was not given to it's rightful owner.
Alfred- ? Are you talking about-
Arthur- yes poppet. Now, don't you readers have a story to read?
Tba- just making sure everything's good.
Alexandra- Pyuu pyu pyu pyu! (Tba- hand twitch* must… hug…)
Arthur- hugs Alexandra* You're so cute~
Tba- so cute~ *loves animals*
Alfred- I've never been so jealous of a rabbit.
Tba& Arthur- what was that?
Alfred- nothing...
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"Bloody idiot."
Arthur mumbled as he fixed his cloak unconsciously moving his other arm to knock at the door.
He had asked around if there was a healer nearby, there was.
The problem?
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Of course, he had to live in the middle of the bloody forest on the outskirts of town!
'Next time he gets himself hurt, I'm dragging him to the healer with me.'
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He knocked again, 'why is the healer taking so long?!'
The door slowly opened, a person dressed in a blue cloak behind it.
"Yes?" a soft voice asked.
Arthur blinked, "Oh er… um…"
Blue eyes blinked, "you're not from the village." A stray lock of white hair fell in front of their eyes. They brushed it away with their hand.
"Right, my… friend needs some healing."
The healer nodded, "just a minute." They walked back inside, but left the door open allowing Arthur to peak inside the house.
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While the healer gathered a few things and put them in a bag, Arthur noticed a pair of animals sleeping on the rug, snow-white fur, black noses, triangular ears and fluffy tails.
'Strange….'
The healer returned, "Lead the way."
Arthur nodded and left, the healer following closely behind.
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Arthur resisted the urge to glance back at the healer.
He closed his eyes in concentration, 'there is something about…them…'
'Something... off.'
"You're not from the village." The healer said turning to Arthur.
"Oh… No. We're travelers." He had hoped that the questions would stop there.
"From?" the healer asked glancing at the village.
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Maybe if he dragged out his answers, he would be able to avoid any other questions.
"He lived not too far from here. Well, I suppose it's quite a distance, but…"
He was never good at making small talk.
He sighed, 'I'm not good with people.'
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The healer only nodded, and moved shifting the book in his hands.
Arthur noticed the movement and remembered his own book.
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'It feels strange without something to hold in my arms.' he was nearly always holding his book and occasionally, his pet.
'I left it in the inn. Well, I doubt he's going to go through my things.'
He glanced back at the healer, 'I feel like I've seen him before.'
A silver earring shone under the hood, while blue eyes briefly glanced at him.
"We are almost there. You are staying at the inn yes?"
"Right."
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'Do not ask others, what you do not want to be asked in turn.'
Arthur frowned, 'I would hope that I never have to tell him.'
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They walked into the inn, ignoring the greetings from the owner and headed up the stairs.
Arthur pulled the key out from his pocket and unlocked the door.
He slowly opened the door and peered in.
As he thought, both Alfred and Alexandra had already fallen asleep.
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He couldn't help but smile a bit.
Seeing Alexandra curl up by Alfred, she had accepted him much like her master.
Though he hated to admit it, he was quite fond of the boy's innocence and naivety.
He remembered the healer was with him and his smile faded.
"Could you look at him? I don't know the extent of his injuries I'm afraid." He gestured to Alfred.
The healer nodded, and walked over to where Alfred was sleeping.
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Very softly, a hand tapped Alfred's shoulder.
Alfred groaned as he stirred, blinking blearily, he looked up to see the patch of fur that was Alexandra.
He looked over his shoulder to see a stranger and behind him Arthur.
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"Oh, you're back." He sat up and stretched, stopping when he felt a sharp stab of pain.
He had forgotten about his injury.
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Arthur walked over and scooped Alexandra up, "I'll be outside if you need me."
"Huh?" He watched as Arthur walked out the room and closed the door behind him.
The healer gave him a very small smile, "Where are your injuries? Please show me."
Alfred wasn't sure why Arthur left the room, but he guessed Arthur must have had something else to do.
"Yeah okay."
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Arthur stood over the streets, looking down from the balcony.
Alexandra lightly snoozed in his arms. Arthur lightly poked Alexandra's nose.
The rabbit shifted lightly and opened one eyes before licking his finger.
"What do you think of him?"
The rabbit sniffed and looked up at her master. She rubbed her head against is chest and 'purred.'
"Well, I suppose you're right." He said as he petted her.
He smiled, "I wouldn't call him a 'hero' just yet."
He looked up at the sky, contemplating something. "Then again, neither am I."
"Pyu!"
He looked back down, seeing Alexandra paw at his shirt.
"You miss them?"
Alexandra nodded and attempted to climb up Arthur's shirt.
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He lifted her up so she was able to hang on to his shoulder.
"Pyu pyu!"
"It is quite a view." He looked over, seeing the sun dip between the houses.
"pyuu pyuuu."
His eyes flicked over to her. "It can't compare to that view, but…"
He let out a contented sigh, "Sometimes it's nice. Just being like this."
A large gust blew, blowing Arthur's hood down.
He didn't bother to fix it, Alexandra pawing at it as it landed on her.
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He closed his eyes, "it's a nice breeze."
"There's a saying, with every new wind, something changes."
"Pyu?" she turned to look questioningly at her master.
"Not every wind is a good one." He said lifting a hand and running his fingers through her fur.
"Well, they should be finished by now."
"pyu~"
"I-I'm not worried about him at all!"
Alexandra hung onto her master's cloak for dear life as he stomped back to his room.
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He walked into to see a strange sight, well perhaps it wasn't so strange…
Alfred was chatting with the healer, who listened and nodded every so often.
Alfred looked over to Arthur, "ah! You're back."
Arthur closed the door behind him, "you're fine now?"
Alfred grinned and patted his arm, "It's like it was never hurt in the first place!"
Arthur sat down on the chair and huffed, "that's nice. Try not to get hurt in the future then."
Alexandra climbed down from her master's cloak and onto the table.
She looked over at the healer for a second before curling up on the table.
"We should get going soon shouldn't we?"
"We need to stock up on some supplies though. So we'll be staying a while longer."
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The healer spoke up, "where are you going?"
Alfred shrugged, "around. No clue, but it's fun to explore huh?"
Arthur sighed, "This is just a trip to you isn't it?"
"Then, allow me to tell your fortune."
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Alfred quickly sat up straight, "you can do that? Cool!"
The healer nodded, and smiled a bit at his enthusiasm.
"I see… many encounters in your future… many pleasant ones, but you should be careful…" The healer glanced at Arthur.
Piercing blue eyes met green for a second before Arthur looked away.
"Though, I suppose you will be fine with your friend."
Alfred laughed, "Definitely!" He looked over at Arthur, "you want to try too?"
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Arthur waved his hand dismissively, "n-no. I'm fine…"
The healer continued to stare at him, "You will… battle with a dragon. I would be careful if I were you…"
Arthur jolted, trying not to meet those eyes.
"…what makes you so sure?'
The healer lifted a sleeve to cover their mouth. "It is merely… a possibility…"
"Well, is it a nice dragon or a mean one?" Alfred asked unaware of the tense atmosphere.
The healer eyes seemed to gleam, "That entirely depends, on the circumstances."
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"Your work is done here, thanks for your help."
"Hey Arthur!"
The healer got up, "I understand. Though…."
He looked over at Alfred, "It was nice to meet you, and it was as if, I had seen an old friend again." A small smile made it's way to the healer's face.
"Huh?"
The healer chuckled, "It is nothing."
The door closed behind them silently.
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Alfred looked over at Arthur, "Hey… Arthur… are you ignoring me?"
He walked over to him, noticing how he was staring down at the table.
He put his arm on Arthur's shoulder, startling him.
"W-what?!"
"Are you listening to me?'
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Arthur sighed and unclasped his cloak, letting it fall on the chair.
"I was just thinking."
"Were you thinking about that fortune?"
Arthur slid his fingers through Alexandra's fur.
"Not really."
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Alfred crossed his arms over his chest, "Then what are you doing?"
'That person… something doesn't seem right…' He frowned, his left hand clenching.
'It's like he knows something…'
Looking up, he jolted when he realized Alfred was too close for comfort.
He pushed him aside with a gentle hand. "Personal space, have you ever heard of it Alfred?"
Alfred laughed, hand going to scratch at the back of his head. "Oops! "
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Arthur ignored him, standing up to walk to the window, peering out at the streets below.
"Alfred, why don't you stay here and rest up? I'll get some supplies."
"Huh? But I'm all healed up now. I should be fine." Alfred moved his arm, showing Arthur that he was healed.
Arthur crossed his arms over his chest, "That's what they all say, that is, until they injure themselves again."
"Who's 'they'?"
Arthur exhaled, "Fine, then the next time you get injured- and you will get injured." He said shooting down the words Alfred were about to say.
"You can get yourself to a healer, alright?"
Alfred whined, "But Arthur~"
Arthur turned and picked up his book, "well, I'll be off now. Get some rest Alfred."
Alfred sighed and reluctantly got into the bed, mumbling something about 'stubborn mages' into the pillow.
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Arthur lightly patted Alexandra's head.
"make sure he doesn't do anything stupid, alright girl?" He whispered.
Alexandra nuzzled his hand, "pyu~"
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He frowned, hand going up to pull at his nonexistent hood.
'Maybe it would have been better if I had kept it on.' He looked around, and saw a bookstore on the corner of the street.
'Wearing it would have been a give away would it?' He pushed the door open, a bell jingling to alert people of his presence.
A small grey haired old man with glasses nodded at him, before returning to sorting his books.
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He made his way through the store, hand reaching out and trailing across the spines of the books as he walked.
'World's Historia.'
'Legends and Myths of the world'
'Rituals and traditions of the east.'
He tapped finger against one of the spines and pulled it out, shifting his book to one arm, as he flipped through it.
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'…the tribe's chiefs are males. Daughters and sons of the chief are arranged to marry before birth. In the past hundred years however, there has been one woman who had defied the tradition. Going on a journey, right before she was to marry….'
He flipped the page, skimming over some lines.
'when she returned, she was crowned the new chief, and though it was in her power to annul the engagement, decided not to. …she started a new legacy that still holds true today….'
He closed the book and put it back, before pulling out another one.
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'As a native of the place, he could not stand for the destruction having taken place… '
'He had traveled to the…..along with others… together they… out… destroyed… start… legend.'
Arthur frowned; thumb brushing over the barely legible words.
'Did some idiot spill water on this?' He shook his head and turned the page.
'William was a knight, employed by a lord before he became a traveling mercenary. Seeing the…he decided to…. There he found…they…granted….'
He scowled, 'all the important parts are missing.'
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Of course, he already knew the story. Though whether it was true or not… he wasn't so sure.
He had asked Alfred, who seemed to believe wholeheartedly that it was true.
However, he was skeptical.
He flipped through the pages carefully, the text faded and pages crinkled as he did so.
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'Such an old book', he thought as he stopped on a page.
He brushed over the drawing, hand drawn it seemed, of two intricate swords.
A description of their wielder and his accomplishments lay underneath the drawing.
'…dojo… line of martial artists… presented with… by the… today, these artifacts are traveling around the world along with….'
He shook his head, hand reaching out to flip the page when he realized he was nearly at the end of the book.
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'well, there is only one left who could be at the end. Though only two pages to describe such a person?' He frowned, 'I doubt there is a picture either.'
He flipped the page, the text strangely legible compared to the other pages.
He trailed his finger over the words, speaking them as he read.
"The white mage."
Underneath it, there were many other names that people called the mage.
Warlock. Witch.
Which was it?
He tapped his finger against the page, 'immense power… went on… with… fought…killed… granted…'
He exhaled slowly, looking over to the next page.
There was a small drawing, apparently of the mage.
Only, the mage was facing away, their head bent down, concentrating on healing an injured person.
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'Familiars…' He snapped the book closed, 'How funny a book would have information about so many, and yet very little on the one who...'
He put the book back, reaching out for another as a voice came from behind him.
"Are you looking for something in particular?"
Arthur turned to man, arm unconsciously pressing his book closer to his chest. "Oh, I'm looking around.'
The old man nodded, eyes going to look at what Arthur had put back.
"Oh? That is one of the older ones. It's a bit hard to read since it's in Latin."
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Arthur smiled, "yes, I found I could only read parts of it."
The man chuckled, "there is a newer print if you would like, it's written in English."
"yes, that would be very helpful."
The man nodded, and shuffled away to get the book.
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Arthur turned back to the bookcase and pulling out the last book that had caught his eye.
He flipped through it, and scowled.
'They're in here as well. Are they real or not? Was it just a story, or is it true?'
"Oh? Would you like that one as well?"
Arthur looked over at the man, holding a book with a reddish brown cover.
Arthur pulled out the book from before, turning to the man with the books.
"Actually, I'd like to purchase these two and that one."
The man furrowed his brows, looking at the old, worn book. "are you sure?"
Arthur nodded, "yes. Could you ring it up?"
The man chuckled, "of course. This way."
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Arthur put his purchases into his bag before biding the older man a farewell.
At the very least, he had something to keep Alfred entertained.
The bag lightly bumped against him as he walked.
'Who knows, I might even teach him some latin.'
His lips twitched into a small smile, 'it would be amusing to confuse him.'
Looking straight, he noticed a few uniformed soldiers standing by the street side.
'…..'
Slipping his book into his bag, he slowly approached them.
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"Is there something wrong?"
One of the soldiers looked at him, "No. We were just called to inspect."
"Inspect? What for?"
The men looked at each other for a moment, sharing glances before turning to him.
"You're not from around here are you?"
Arthur shook his head, "No. I've arrived here today." He cleared his throat, "Is there something wrong? What is going on?"
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Another solider sighed, "Oh, I wouldn't worry about it. It's not going to turn up anything after all."
The third shrugged, "making us go day and night searching for someone who is likely on another continent. What is he thinking?"
Arthur smiled, "Well, since there doesn't seem to be any trouble, I won't bother you any longer."
The men nodded, turning to complain to each other as Arthur walked away.
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Arthur pushed open the door, unsurprised to see Alfred and Alexandra smile at him when he walked through it.
"Oh good you're back! I was so bored!"
England shook his head, dropping his bag on the empty chair. "You could have taken a nap."
"I did! But I couldn't sleep…"
Arthur sat down, reaching into his bag to grab the books he bought.
He placed his spell book on the table, before pulling out the book he was looking for.
"Here Alfred."
Alfred looked at the book curiously, "Hm?"
Arthur waved the book, "take it."
"what for?"
Arthur pushed the book over to him. "Entertainment."
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Alfred picked up the book, reading the title aloud. "Legends and Myths of the world"
Arthur yawned, "I'm sure you'll find it interesting."
Alfred opened the book, and poked his hand into Arthur's bag.
"Hey!"
Alfred smiled sheepishly, pulling his hand out. "I was looking for something to write with."
Arthur slapped his hand away, grumbling as he pulled out a pen from his bag and handed it to Alfred.
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Alfred bent over and scribbled something onto the inner cover of the book.
Arthur looked over, "what are you writing?"
"This!"
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Property of Alfred F. Jones
Given by the really grouchy mage Arthur
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Arthur shook his head, smiling a bit. "Your hand writing is terrible."
"We can't all have beautiful penmanship you know." Alfred said puffing out his cheeks in a pout.
Arthur's brow rose, "how would you know I have good penmanship?"
"Well, you flip through that spell book of yours a lot. They don't really sell spell books do they? You must have written them yourself." Alfred turned to the first page, reading the person who wrote the book.
"Well, it's something like that."
"Huh?"
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Arthur got up and stretched, "I'm tired. Do you want to be by the wall of not?"
"um… either way is fine…I guess."
"okay." Arthur got into the bed and moved one of the pillows aside, putting it behind him.
"Alfred, throw me my cloak."
Alfred picked up the cloak from the back of the chair and threw it over to Arthur who folded it.
"Um… Artie?"
"Arthur. What?" He rolled over onto his side to glare at Alfred.
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"I changed my mind, I think I like the wall better." He mumbled.
Arthur growled, "now you change your mind?!"
"Pyuu~"
"well…I-"
"Just get in!"
"okay!"
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"Um… Arthur?"
"what?"
"…it's kinda crowded."
Arthur stared at the wall, Alfred content on staring at the ground below.
"It's smaller than it looks."
"Pyuu~" Alexandra said from her place on the pillow between them.
"….um… night."
"Good night."
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Tba- I am totally alive!
Arthur- getting ready to cast high-level magic spell* do us all a favor and stay dead!
Alfred- no way! The story is starting to heat up… I think… (Alexandra- pyuu?)
Arthur- I doubt it! She would have to go through her old notes to figure out what is happening.
Tba- haha! That's where I've got you. See, im putting all my notes into a little portfolio of sorts. There's a section for each of my stories I'm working on.
Arthur- oh really? *smirk* then pray tell, what will be happening in the next chapter?
Tba- HAHAHAHA! No, I'm not falling for that trick.
Arthur- oh well… I tried… Now to kill you!
Tba- what's this 'big apple' people keep talking about? I live in new york and I've never seen a huge apple. And new york isn't even shaped like an apple. Seriously! People are so weird.
Arthur- LIKE YOU SHOULD BE SAYING THAT!
Alfred- noooooooo! *tackles Arthur* No fighting!
Tba- Ciao~
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TBA~