Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or its characters, that right belongs to Hiro Mashima.
Day 2: unity (noun) - the state of being united or joined as a whole.
Eyes were narrowed as she ducked into the old, yet small, gothic appearing church. She was not happy. This was just not. Her. Day. It had taken a lot of planning to escape from her father and the man he was intent on marrying her off to. And Lucy would not marry that man. She didn't even like him or his father. Both made her feel dirty as if she was some slut on the street corner who had not bathed in a month. Then again, said people that her father wanted connections with were said to be related to the throne and had a connection to the militia.
But, anyone with a damn brain knew that this particular family was devious. And insidious evil that would take and use, never giving as they promised. Unless it was the throne that commanded it. And here she was a minor nobles daughter. There was no say for her. It was not the middle ages, but dammit, she would not be a piece of bargaining. Hell, her fathers 'fortune' was not even his. It had been her mothers. All the land around their home, the people... everything technically belonged to Lucy. And it was her dumb luck that she was more than of marriage age.
"Hello, Miss, can the church help you today?"
At the soft, deep voice, Lucy spun around and looked up at a tall dark-skinned man (Lily for this is human) whose black eyes seemed to gauge her. Right now, she wore a cloak and hood to hide her face and hair. Only the women of the Heartfilia family would have pale, sun-colored hair, fair complexion. Making her easily recognizable. And to run and hide from her father and that... man... and his son... She would roll in the filth of the streets where it was used as toilets by the homeless. Another thing she was pissed about. This had been a recent thing in the last ten years since her mother's death.
"Oh.. Sorry, I uh..." She said not wanting to lie but not wanting to tell the truth.
"I understand. Please, come this way and let me give you some food and warm wine," the man spoke, his lips quirking up in a smile.
Mentally she cursed. She knew that smile and the glint that was in those black eyes. He recognized her. It was not a hidden fact that her father was trying to marry her to the son of Duke Brain Reflese's Son Macbeth. But, something in her told her that she could trust this man. And standing up she followed him through a few doors and down a couple of halls. Her ears hearing the sounds of children laughing and talking. Which set her at ease.
Eventually, they entered into a small private kitchen, where several older kids were at the stoves, counters, and sink cooking or cleaning. It was well organized and they looked happy. Then it hit Lucy which church she had run into St. Agatha's Anglican Church. Making her flinch visibly. Her father had sent out a missive a week ago about taking all funds from those churches. Churches her mother had been charitable to.
"I... I am so sorry," She blurted out, her voice shaking at the shame she felt for her father's actions.
When the man looked at her, she nibbled at her bottom lip. He smiled and shook his head and pointed to a small table tucked back int the corner off to the side of a large stone fireplace. Nodding she made her way over to it and sat down. Letting her head drop so that her chin rested on her collar bone. This was just her luck.
"Miss, I won't judge. It is apparent you are repentant for what has happened. That it was not a choice you made, clearly," the man said as he put a plate of food and the cup of warmed wine before her.
Lifting her head up and watched as the man sat across from her. Lucy still felt horrid for what was happening. There were not a lot of group homes left, and the foster parents that could or would take the kids, she knew were not sanctioned. Meaning they wanted the money and would abuse the children.
On a whim, a determination in her eyes, Lucy spoke, "What can I do to help? This is wrong. And I don't want to see a church that helps those that need it. Especially children, take a blow like this."
The way the man blinked before he smiled widely, showing even white teeth in his mouth as he leaned forward. Something told Lucy they'd be having a long talk. Because she was serious. And it would help keep her mind off her pending nuptial contract. And she'd rather be a nun (still a virgin) instead of a pretty trophy to a man who'd probably hurt her was preferable.