Chapter 6. The Skelecouple
It was so cold. Snow fell onto the tall pine trees. A thin path wove through the forest of ice and evergreens. Paolo shivered in her purple sweater. She continued walking, snow crunching under her yellow sneakers. She came to a bridge across a chasm.
"This doesn't look too stable," she said to herself.
"Oh, it's perfectly safe, honey." Paolo jerked up her head. A skeleton woman was walking towards her. She was tall and thin. She had on a floor length pink ball gown.
"Who are you?!" Paolo asked, after jumping a mile into the air
"Oh my! I'm so sorry for startling you, sweetheart. My name is Trebuchet. And you are...?"
Paolo relaxed and told the woman her name.
"That's a beautiful name, dear."
"Thanks. Uh, isn't trebuchet a font?"
Trebuchet winced. "Yes, and no. Humans use skeleton names for their fonts as just another way to make fun of us. Of course, my husband doesn't mind as much as I do."
"Your husband?" Paolo queried. "What's he like?"
Trebuchet perked up. Oh my gosh. He's so handsome. His name is Lato. But, uh, I don't think you can meet him."
Paolo tipped her head in confusion. "Why not?"
Trebuchet sighed. "He's part of the completely unnecessary royal guard."
"Royal guard?" Paolo asked, still confused.
"Yes. The king has ordered that all humans must be captured and brought to him." She shook her head sadly. "I'm sorry, dear. I really think you two would get along splendidly. But alas, fate will not have it."
"That's too bad. He does sound nice."
"Well, I suppose you can not win every battle." Still, Trebuchet looked disappointed. "Follow me, sweetie. I will help you through the wonderful town of Snowdin."
Paolo nodded. "Alright. Thanks." Suddenly they heard crunching in the snow drawing ever closer.
"Quick!" Trebuchet whisper-yelled. "Behind that conveniently-shaped lamp!"
Paolo looked to where her new friend was pointing, and sure enough, there was a lamp. Paolo hid behind it as an extremely skinny (but short) skeleton marched closer.
"Trebuchet, hello." He said, his voice booming and stern.
"Hi, sweetie! S-so good to see you!" Trebuchet stammered.
"Something's wrong. What's wrong, Trebbie?" Lato looked on with a serious expression on his face.
"Nothing, Latlat. I'm... fine." She suddenly found a great interest in the snow-covered ground.
"Trebuchet Capital Font. I have known you long enough to tell when you are lying!" He said loudly. Then, more gently, he added, "Whatever it is, I can handle it."
Trebuchet shook her head sadly. "If I told you, you would freak out."
Lato smiled at her. "I promise to stay calm."
Trebuchet seemed uncertain, but agreed anyway. "Fine, dear. Come out Paolo, sweetie."