Hey everyone! Sorry I haven't posted anything in awhile. Life's just been pretty bad lately, so I haven't been in the mood. But I'm back so, so I can keep writing. Here's chapter two, so enjoy! And remember, I own nothing!
My mind felt fuzzy when I opened my eyes. All I saw was a ceiling, and when I sat up, a door that was slightly ajar. With a soft yawn, I flopped back down in the bed and closed my eyes, murmuring something about five more minutes before sitting up abruptly. Firstly, this wasn't my room. It was actually clean, and the sheets felt really soft. I reached for my classes on a nightstand, my vision becoming clear. It looked like a room in an inn. Warily, I got out of the bed I was in and soon fell; my legs felt almost jelly-like, like I haven't moved for awhile. I managed to sit up on the floor before taking a good look around the room. The ceiling and walls were a dark beige color with wooden molding. There were two windows, both open and looking out at the sky. The inn room had three plants, one potted plant in the corner by the bed, a hanging basket plant by the window on the left room, and one more on the left windowsill. The rest of the room was plainly decorated; a wooden wardrobe, a chair in the corner, and a nightstand with what looked like a kerosene lamp on it.
"How… did I even get here? I must be dreaming…" I mused as I stood up once more, this time my legs worked. I looked down at my dirt covered shirt and ripped jeans before checking to see that my earrings and necklace was still on. Then, I felt that my hair was messy so I smoothed it down the best I could with my hands. Once it was sufficiently patted down, I left the room as quietly as I could, and descended down the stairs to the reception desk. The lady at the desk smiled at me as she saw me coming down and spoke.
"Oh, you're finally awake," she said with a small bit of relief, "You were asleep almost two hours now."
"T-two hours? Wow…" I squeaked and looked shocked before composing myself the best I could, "U-um… how much is the room I was put in?"
"You don't need to do that," she shook her head, "The young man who brought you here paid the two-hundred Gald(1). He's actually waiting outside."
The lady pointed out of the door and went, after thanking her of course. I peeked out the door before stepping out, squinting at the bright sunlight. Once I recovered from being temporarily blinded, I looked around a little bit before someone walked up to me. He had short brown hair that fell in his eyes, and looked slim, but I could tell he had a bit of muscle on his bones. He wore a plain beige shirt, a green vest, and brown slacks with leather traveling boots. His grey eyes the held a bit of curiosity in them when he saw me. He sighed with relief and smiled.
"I'm glad you're alright," he told me and rubbed the back of his neck, "I got worried when you just passed out like that."
"Um, thank you for helping me. I'll pay you back for the room when I can," I responded and looked a little nervous. I felt my throat get tight for a moment before letting out a breath before breathing again(2).
"It's alright," he waved off that I said I would pay him back but looked worried when he saw my breath hitch in my throat.
"Oh, don't worry," I said while letting out a breath, "That tends to happen when I get nervous and talk. I'm sorry, I never got your name."
"It's Jace," he told me with a smile and held out his hand.
"Krystina," I responded and shook his hand.
Jace looked at me up and down and chuckled at me. I looked at him with an arched eyebrow and put my hands on my hips.
"I know I don't look normal, but do you have to laugh?" I sighed with a clipped voice.
Jace stopped and looked at me sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm sorry," he said, "I couldn't help it. Maybe if you sold off the bits of jewelry you have, you could get new clothes at least."
I pursed my lips in thought before taking off my diamond studs and my pendant, which was just a small hunk of raw amethyst.
"I hope this can get me something," I hoped before we set off slowly to the marketplace by the docks.
"So, do you mind telling me why you don't look like you're from around here?" he asked with a sincere smile.
I bit my lip hesitantly. I couldn't tell him that I came from another world, he'd think I'm crazy! So, I quickly fabricated a story before speaking to him.
"Well, My family was made up of traveling merchants and we had a penchant for dressing oddly. My mom and dad took care of the merchandise, my older sister monitored our finances, and I was left to do my own thing. So, I became a self-proclaimed bard and played my guitar for extra Gald. Three nights ago we camped a near Izood and I went into town to get some food. I took a little longer than usual since I was figuring out what to make. That was a bad choice on my part. When I came back, Our caravan was ransacked and smashed to bits, and my family was…" I paused a bit and sniffled, blinking back convincing tears, "They were killed, for trying to fight back or run. The next day, I made a makeshift grave fore them in a nearby forest before heading to Izood and asking for a ship. I sailed for Palmacosta as soon as I could, but I left the city and camped outside of the town. When you found me a few hours ago, monsters just chased me out of my camp, so now I'm left with nothing again."
Jace looked at me with sadness and patted my shoulder. "I'm sorry about what happened to you," he told me and soon smiled, "but everything is going to be better soon. The Chosen has started her journey, so everything will be better before you know it." I outwardly smiled but frowned inwardly, knowing what will really happen, but did not tell him for obvious reasons.
Jace and I made it to the marketplace and he pointed me to the item stall. I showed the vendor my earrings and my pendant. The vendor took them gingerly and looked at the jewelry carefully. The vendor placed them in a small pouch and smiled, handing me a pouch that felt heavy.
"You're a lucky girl," the vendor chuckled. "Those little gems were very valuable. Three thousand Gald you have there in that pouch."
I looked at the vendor incredulously, but happy that I got so much for cubic zircona earrings and a chunk of amethyst worth only twenty dollars. I thanked the vendor before looking at Jace with a smile.
"Well, I got a pretty penny for my things," I said with a grin.
"Yup, looks like it. But I'm sorry to say that I have to go," he said, "What will you do now?"
"Probably get some new clothes," I shrugged, "After that, I don't know."
"Well, whatever you do now, may the Goddess Martel watch over you," Jace told me before leaving the marketplace.
"Goddess, huh?" I mused quietly and ruffled my hair, "Looks like I'm not dreaming, since everything I'm touching and seeing feels completely real."
I looked down at my pouch of Gald and smiled a little getting a little kick out of looking around the dock-side market.
'Oh well, might as well enjoy this adventure while it lasts,' I though before glancing around the market, wondering what to get first.
1: I guesstimated the price of the inn. Since it's the fourth town you visit, I guessed it must be somewhere between 100 and 200 Gald. Correct me if I'm wrong.
2: This does happen to me often. When I get nervous or excited, my breath hitches in my throat while I speak. It's part of my speech problems, but I'm working on it! :3