A Cold Heart
Chapter 3 : Slip Into The Unknown
Tohru worked all day, cheerfully giving the local farmers and merchants theyre orders. But slowly as the day began to wind down, the door opened to reveal one last customer, his face hidden by the rough cloak he wore. "How are you today, sir ?" Tohru asked, politely, holding a tray above her head. The man nodded, his cruel cold eye making contact with her warm brown ones. A shiver ran down Tohrus spine, tingling down to her toes. The rest of the customers watched the stranger, an eerie silence spreading around the room, as Tohru took the mans order, his words silent, for her ears only. Slowly walking back to the kitchen, Tohru set down the tray, messaging her tired arms. "Mama, we have another order."said Tohru, seating herself next to the fire, rubbing her stiff joints. Kyoko sighed, filling out the order, for her daughter to deliever.
"Do you wish for me to accompany her?" asked Alex, lefting himself from his spot by the fire. Kyoko nodded, her eyes scanning the room for the stranger. " He's the one in the cloak." said Kyoko, her trained eyes spotting him. Alex rolled his eyes. "Mistress, they all have cloaks." said Alex, as he and Tohru gave the man his order. Kyoko blushed, but quickly sat next to the fire in the kitchen.
"Here you are, sir, your green tea." said Tohru, cheerfully. The man looked at her, eyes sharp with a unmistakeable angry. "Is something wrong, sir?" asked Tohru, tilting her head to the side. The man shook his head, sipping his tea silently. " Do you have any news of the other kingdoms?" asked Tohru, a sweet smile crossing her face. " Yes, actually I do." answered the man, motioning for her to sit. Tohru sat willingly, placing her tray on her lap, Alex laying next to her.
" The Southern kingdom wishes to make a treaty." said the man, sipping his tea. Tohru sat listening, placing her tray on the floor. Alex happily placed his head on her lap, as his icy blue eyes closing. " There are still a few kindoms that love war and malice, but the southern kingdom is quite peaceful, only fighting when they have to." said the man, relaxing into the chair. " Do think they should make a treaty ?" asked Tohru, petting Alex affectionately. The stranger cocked his head to the side, a small smile placed onto his lips. " Wel, I think that this kingdom should get a new king that's for sure, my lady." said the stranger, pulling his hood off his head. Long grey hair spilled out of the hood, it's owner running his fingers through his long tresses. His skin was pale as the snow, his eyes grey and full of sadness, his hands and face looked frail and strong at the same time, mystery surrounded him as if he came from a place full of sadness.
A gasp escaped Tohru's lips as his face was revealed. " Is there something wrong ?" asked the stranger. Tohru shook her head, her own long brown hair falling over her shoulder. " Sir, what's your name ?" asked Tohru, leaning her elbow on the tablle. The stranger cocked his head, a sliver of a smile placed his lips. " My name is Yuki of the Realm." said the stranger, pulling a band from his sleeve. Tying his hair back with a band, he relaxed again.
"Really?" asked Tohru, excitement sparking in her eyes. The stranger looked at her, surprise crossing face. " Please not so loud, my lady." said Yuki, finishing off his tea." I'm so sorry, sir, I'm so sorry." said Tohru, bowing to him. Yuki chuckled silently, his smile widening. Tohru giggled, blushing. " So is that your wolf ?" asked Yuki, allowing Alex to sniff his hand. Alex returned to Kyoko, his tail wagging behind him.
" Yes, he's kinda strange, huh?" said Tohru, relaxing against her chair. A silence swept over the two, as they quietly thought of something to say. " Does that mean that your an elf?" asked Tohru, whispering to him. Yuki nodded, pulling his back a little to show her his finely pointed ear. A slight giggle escaped Tohru, as she stared into his lovely grey eyes. " I must be going." said Yuki, abruptly, standing to his feet, handing her the money for his drink. " Oh, I'm sorry if I have kept you from your appointment." apologized Tohru, bowing to the elf. Yuki turned to look at her, pulling his hood over his head. " No, you didn't delay me, you actually gave me something to do, and for that, I thank you," said Yuki, pulling a silver necklace, with a simple yet elegant flower pendant, from his sleeve,and handing it to her," this is for your services."
Tohru gasped when she saw the necklace. " I can't except this." said Tohru, though when she looked up, he was gone.