I sit on the stairs before the building, the nights cool air leaving a comfortable sting against my body. My muscles burning ache is a feeling I know all too well, a weighty haze draped over my mind, aided by latent alcohol running through my veins.
With Lady Nora long since departed, both Saria and Rose retiring for the night and the Masquerade has been in a steady decline. Other partygoers flit out of the area in various states of dress and inebriation.
Some are more dignified than others, though they matter little.
We did it, despite it all.
"Heh." A short breath of laughter slips from my lips. So much worry for nothing, I should've had more faith in her decisions.
"Glad you find this amusing." The Fox says besides me, groaning soon after. I look towards it, its leg and paw outstretched. There's a wince of pain on its face. "Gods, my paws are killing me and everything else feels awful. How are you so unphased?"
"Marches in the isles are mandatory, standing and dancing aren't particularly straining in comparison." Though I haven't taken part in a proper march for a while, the theory behind it remains the same. Dancing's just a worthless form of it.
"That explains so much." It mumbles, continuing its stretching. The sound of popping bones followed by wistful sighs. "Ahn, much better. That aside, what's up with you and Rose?"
"What do you mean?"
"You were being friendly with her, a keidran!" It grins, elbow tapping against my side. "Did she thaw your frozen heart, Knight?"
"Hardly, and don't touch me." I deadpan, slapping away the offending elbow before it can dig into me once again. "She wasn't overly aggravating to be near, and we found some common ground, that's all."
"That's high praise coming from you." Its grin remains ever present. Ich, irksome thing. "I thought she was pretty nice, I wonder if we'll ever meet again."
"I wouldn't bet on it. Would you want to meet her again? I thought you didn't like wolves."
"I don't like male wolves, specifically. The women are alright, probably." It says with a shrug. "Rose is the only one I've met in a while."
"Is there a difference?"
"Yeah, the men like to sell us off to humans and the women stay at home." It responds with a venomous hiss, muzzle scrunching into a sneer. "They've always hated foxes, always targeted us, fuck if I know why."
Mn, interesting to note. I wonder if my Lady knows of this, it may be something to remember in the future.
"That's understandable." My response seems to have caught it off guard, head tilting with a confused noise.
"I thought you'd like the idea of wolves putting us into slavery."
"No. Slaver or enslaved, it doesn't matter, I dislike your ilk all the same." I answer, honest words falling from my lips with surprising ease. Hm, looks like the alcohol finally got through me. "I am ambivalent about it."
For the most part. If they were to vie for freedom, perhaps I'd respect the animals more.
"I don't suppose you wanna share that reason, hm?"
"Only if you can pry it from the lips of my corpse." The Fox, oddly enough, giggles at that. Not quite what I expected.
"It's sad that ambivalence is probably one of the kinder opinions I've heard."
"Quite." I say, looking at the road before us and frowning. Tch, what's taking it so long? Perhaps the Masquerade ended earlier than expected. Might as well make some chatter, if only to control the Fox. "You mentioned before that female wolves stayed at home, are foxes much the same?"
"Hm?" A look of surprise flashes across the foxes face, though it quickly passes. "Ah, not entirely. If you had children to look after then yes, but the fathers did much the same. So long as someone was there to look after them, it didn't matter. Both could hunt, forage, farm, fish, all sorts of things. Sure, some were more common for males, but so long as you were good at it."
I hum along with it. Sounds reasonable enough, those useful at a task to be allowed to continue.
"As long as it helped the tribe?"
"Mhm! That's how it was where I came from, at least." It continues with a giggle, a bright smile on its face and a twinkle in the eyes. "I liked to fish whenever I could. It was relaxing, and the taste of fish always appealed to me. I enjoyed feeling the water over my paws, the sudden tugging of the line…"
It trails off, looking to the sky with a pleasant smile and hazy eyes.
A flare of envy in my chest, one easily quashed.
"Sounds pleasant."
"Mm, it was." It says with a happy hum. A shake of its head seems to clear its thoughts, eyes looking over to me. "What about you? How was it like where you're from?"
"Either could attain any position, so long as they were capable of doing so. I assumed they learned how to take care of the house too, though I'm not too sure."
"Eh? How could you not know?"
"We were separated into different districts, law deemed interaction between the two unacceptable."
"That's… that's so weird!" The Fox finally says after a moment, it's muzzle scrunching in confusion.
"The two being melded together socially is weird to me. I question it, but I live with it." I say with a shrug, turning my attention back to the road. Tch, taking its sweet time, isn't it?
"Mm, fair enough." I hear it shuffle about a bit, followed by a yawn. Something warm presses against my shoulder, tickling the side of my neck. "M'tired, wake me when he gets here."
I twist my neck to see the Fox leaning against me, its head laying atop my shoulder and eyes closed shut. Its hair, once neatly done, now splays itself around, the tickling sensation against my neck intensifying.
I blink. What?
"What are you doing?" I ask, slowly. I'm both revolted and confused about it. A strange feeling.
"Using you as a headrest." Its response is a short and simple one, with no further explanation.
"Why?"
"Because you're more comfortable than stone, and dirt would ruin my dress." It continues. A single half lidded eye peers up to me, locked onto my own. "Shove me off if it's an issue."
I blink again, continuing to look down on the brazen thing. Despite my dislike of physical contact, especially with the Fox of all things, I don't immediately push it away.
I sigh. I'm too tired to care. Not physically, I've endured far worse, but every other part of me from body to mind feels so drained.
From having to stand amongst so many to hearing so much inane chattering for hours on end. I just want to sleep
"Don't bother me too much." I finally relent, eyelids heavy and drooping. No, I can't rest, not yet. Just a bit longer.
"Sweet." With a muffled mumble and the closing of its eye, it leans ever further into my shoulder, using it as a mix of support and pillow. Still irksome, but so long as it keeps the fox busy.
I close my eyes for a moment before looking back to the road. We seem to be the last few left, much to my irritation.
Being left waiting leaves too much time for me to think. A situation I dislike more often than not
That aside, the pleasant feeling of completing the mission remains, if dimmed. One I didn't think possible, despite our differences.
…perhaps it's because of those differences that it was possible in the first place, though. Were left without the other, how long would it take for it to fall apart? Assuming Nora took notice, how long would it have taken before the Fox would crack?
Without the Fox, how long could I stand to still my hands around so many, before wrapping them around ones throat? Before digging my claws into their skin and tearing?
The mission would've been doomed without one another The Partner deserves a little respect for making up for my… deficiencies, I suppose.
"Hey!" A call brings me out of my thoughts, though muffled by the whinnying of horses. I refocus my eyes on what trots before me, the same coachman from earlier waving his hand about in greeting.
I grunt and nod, shoving the fox off of my shoulder.
"Bwuh?"
"Coach is here. Time to get going." I get up, ignoring the ache in muscle and mind. It'll be over soon.
"Ugh, just as I was dozing off, too." A dejected sigh, followed by a groan and the sound of popping bones. I turn to face her with an outstretched hand.
She stares at it, blinking, as if slowly processing its existence.
"Are you offering to help me up?" She asks. That she sounds so flabbergasted irks me
"Yes."
"This isn't a prank or a ploy?"
"I'll rescind it then."
"Gah, no!" She hastily reaches for my hand with both of her own, one clasping my hand and the other gripping my wrist. I lean away and yank her back onto her feet. She still grips me even when standing, legs shaking and a winced expression on her face. "Ugh, my legs are killing me, I feel like I'm gonna throw up."
"Can you walk on your own?"
"I think so?" It sounds closer to a question than an answer. It doesn't instil much confidence in me
"Lean on me then. Don't throw up on me, don't get used to it." I offer, holding back a sigh. She nods after a moment's silence, shaky legs stumbling to throw her arm over my shoulder.
"Thanks." She mumbles with a weary voice, the stench of alcohol wafting off of her breath.
"Don't mention it." I stomach the smell and take hold of her, guiding her down. The carriage's thankfully not far, long since taking up space at the bottom of the stairs.
"Hey there, sorry about the uh, delay." The man says with an awkward sounding laugh as we approach. I look at the man out of the corner of my eye, lips dipping into a frown. The laugh peters off, the polite smile on his face looking rather fragile.
"It's fine, just get us home." The Fox mumbles in response, her head lolling onto my shoulder. If she notices my glare or his reaction to it, then she says nothing. I open the door to the carriage.
"Do you need help getting in?"
"Nuh, I should be good now." She responds, pulling away from me.
I hum. I doubt her, but I let her go. She stumbles over to it, legs unsteady, though she does heave one into the carriage. She pushes herself gracelessly into her, legs half sticking out of it and crawling her way in.
"Toldja!" She chirps as she shuffles into a seating position. The mask tied to her hip somehow flexing its strings, pushed to its limits, yet failing to snap. There's a proud looking grin on her face by the end, with her hair reduced to a ragged mess.
"The epitome of grace, evidently." I say dryly, with a quirk of the eyebrow. She bursts out into a giggling fit, it seems she found it amusing. I move to hop into it myself, but pause for a moment, peeking my head past the door.
"Coachman."
"Y-yeah?" He visibly flinches.
"Why did you take so long? Were you not meant to come sooner?"
"W-well, I was, but there were some hold ups." His answer is a stammer of words. I frown, a little displeased by the answer. He holds up his hands, waving defensively. "I'm telling the truth, honest!"
"Ugh, don't go about intimidating him now, Knight, not when we're so close to home." The Fox calls from within. "Master probably had something to do with it, again, you can blame him."
My frown deepens. That does sound plausible, at least. Damnable man.
"We'll speak of this later." I say, dropping it for now. I turn away from the man and into the carriage, closing the door behind me and taking a seat.
We slowly begin the journey back, only the sound of hooves hitting dirt and their faint whinnies piercing the silence.
The Fox nestles up beside me, her head leaning on my shoulder.
It's not quite unbearable yet.
…
My feet have barely hit the ground before the Stranger approaches.
"Knight! It's so good to see you, everything went well, I assume?" He asks, voice as cheery and energetic as the pep in his steps. I hate it.
"Mission complete with minimal incidents." I say, eyes narrowing. "Why was the carriage delayed?"
"Ah, I figured you'd ask. It wasn't my fault this time!" He answers with a chuckle, head tilting towards the manor. "You'll have to take it up with your mistress though, it was her decision."
"Truly?"
"Absolutely! Cross my heart and all that."
"Very well." I say with a hum. Should he be lying, we'll find out before morning comes. "Your keidran's inside. Sleeping."
"Ah, I was wondering where she was." He waltzes over to the carriage, a swirl of blue around his hands as he pokes his head into it. "Any trouble on the way back?"
She used my shoulder as a pillow and drooled over it halfway through.
"No." He pushes himself out of the coach, bringing the fox along with him.
Held in a grip of blue, she curls up into a ball, drool dripping out of the side of its maw.
How unsanitary.
"Now isn't that adorable? Must've been exhausted."
"As you say. Is there anything you need?"
"Nope, that's all for today. See you later today, Knight." With a brief wave and no further ceremony, both of them disappear in a flash of blue.
Leaving just myself and the coachman.
"Coachman."
"Ah!" The man yelps in surprise, panic taking form on his face as he turns to face me, visible through the darkness. "Y-yes?"
What a nervous man.
"Relax. The fault doesn't lie with you, so I will not hold you to it."
"So I'm not in trouble?"
"No."
"Oh, thank the masks!" He cries, letting loose a grand sigh. "I was worried for a good while, I didn't want to do a poor job here."
He sounds so very surprised. Interesting.
"Is this something you do often?"
"Er, not by myself. I'm still kinda new to this."
"Truly?" I hum in surprise, raising an eyebrow. "Why were you chosen, then? Were you not aware of the importance of this?"
"Well, it was meant for someone else, but they didn't show up, and I was around so I offered to do it instead." He says, hand rubbing the back of his neck. "I knew it was important! The Dragon's Masquerade is a big deal, you know, it's why I wanted to do it."
"Sought to make a name for yourself?"
"Yeah! Or at least to show that I can work alone."
I hum. He harbours some ambition, though he's noticeably green.
"You said you're still new to this, is that why you panicked so quickly?"
"A-ah, yeah. I normally have someone else around to keep me in check, but not this time. I do wish I did, but…" He pauses for a moment before shaking his head. "I'm gonna have to work alone sometime, so I should try to get used to it now."
"Despite the difficulties?"
"Of course, if I don't do it myself, then how can I improve?" His answer sounds tinged with conviction, as if not doing so would be a tragedy.
What an interesting night this has been, to be surprised so thoroughly.
"Heh." I chuckle, the corner of my lips twitching upwards. I force it down. "Good attitude to have."
"Really? You think so?"
"I wouldn't say so if I thought otherwise." I wave my hand dismissively. I ought to wrap this up before I waste too much time. "There are many here that give up the moment they fail. They lack drive, make sure you don't falter."
His head's a blur in the dark all while I speak, a delighted grin on his face.
"I won't, I promise!"
"Good." I motion my head towards the road. "If you're going elsewhere, you best start now."
"Oh, right." He looks and sounds embarrassed, a hand covering his mouth before taking hold of the reins once more.
"Look after yourself on the way back."
"Will do!" With a flash of a smile and a cheer, he flicks the reins, the horses obediently beginning a trot.
I turn away from him.
He'll be fine without my supervision, and I have a report to make.
…
"That's all that I can recall for the night." I stand before my Lady, hands held to my side.
"Mm, sounds like quite an interesting night. I'm glad you decided to enjoy yourself there, even if only a little." My Lady drawls, a smile on her face, cheek resting on an open palm. Even this late, there's no sign of fatigue on her face, her eyes lit up as mischievous as ever. "I'm surprised you spoke to Saria of your own volition."
I freeze, blood running cold.
"I assumed it to be the correct option. Was I wrong?"
"Nothing of the sort, dear, all is fine. Everything happened as I thought it would." Her words put my heart at ease, and her smile returns the warmth in my veins. "What do you think of her? I'm curious."
"I find her incredibly rash, and her mind deluded with unrealistic idealism."
"Buuuuuut?" Her grin widens, eyes twinkling with glee.
"She at least seems earnest about her ideals, if nothing else."
"So you like her then?"
"I wouldn't say that."
"You do! That's adorable." She coos, her grin widening and eyes alight with delight. I sigh and close my eyes, pinching the bridge of my nose as she giggles aloud. The echoing in my ears sounds like a delightful reprieve.
"She offered to 'free' me from your services, shouldn't you be a bit more concerned about that?"
"Nope! I have full faith that you'd be by my side until the end, dear knight." My breath hitches, a pleasurable warmth flooding my chest. I feel something ruffle through my hair, its caress soft yet thorough.
I open my eyes and see her face once more, half lidded eyes a flutter, her smile warm and soft. Purple wisps flutter between her drumming fingers, each tap pressing against my scalp.
"You're so adorable when you're flustered." She says, voice sweet and soft.
"Not how I would describe myself." I rebuff. I feel my cheeks warm, despite my best efforts. Her continued giggling is an answer within itself.
This woman.
"That aside, it's good to know that you and the Partner have been getting close." She continues on with a wink, her eyes alight with that mischievous sparkle once more.
"Mn." I grunt, the heat across my cheeks intensifying. Having to talk of what I allowed the fox to do was… difficult. Doable, but difficult. Especially when she took so much joy in it. "You gave me an objective, I did all I could to complete it."
"And you're doing so wonderfully, I'm so proud of you." I feel her magic tussle over my hair one more time before dissipating, the wisps around her hands disappearing into the air. "I'm glad that I thought of delaying the carriage just a little, considering the results."
"Stranger said that it was your idea." I nod along. Forcing us to stay together for longer could've ended poorly. Yet it didn't, this time at least.
"Mhm. A slight gamble, but Stranger ended up agreeing with it." She continues, a soft chuckle slipping past her lips. "The rider was a tad more hesitant, the poor boy was worried about your disapproval, I imagine."
"Why?"
"Maybe he wanted to put his best foot forward, maybe it's because you intimidate him, who's to say. Either way, Stranger calmed him down enough to be compliant." She sighs, slouching into her chair. "It was for the best that he spoke for me. Truthfully, I was quite irritated, I can't imagine that'd help smooth over his worries much. Someone dropping out of my plans with no forewarning put quite a damper on my mood."
"Do you need me to deal with them?" My fingers twitch at the potential, the rush of blood reinvigorating my senses. Her shaking head renders it all null, much to my disappointment.
"No, I shall do so myself. I have letters to write to certain individuals, so I'll punish him accordingly." She looks rather pleased with herself as she sits up straighter.
"Good." Not as satisfying as doing so myself, but good. "I approve of the one who stepped up."
"Oh? Is that so?" She leans forward, a teasing smile on her face. "Find another that you like, Knight?"
"He tries despite the odds, I can respect a man like that."
"You ignored my question, dear."
"Yes."
"Hah!" A short bark of laughter, the rest muffled by a hand held to her mouth. She holds it for a moment before continuing, a smile on her face and eyes twinkling. "You're in a rather good mood, aren't you? Very well, I'll keep him in mind for the future, he may have his uses."
I nod. Something stirs in my chest, pride, perhaps. Were he to go far in his position, I'd be pleased with it. Nothing more.
"Is there anything else you require, Mistress?"
"Nope, that's all for tonight." She hums, a finger tapping against her cheek. "I had something else I wanted you to do, but I've decided against it. I want you to focus on the Fox for the next few days. Find something for the both of you to bond over."
I hum to myself. Something to bond over? Hm.
"I'll find something to do with her." I say, slowly, the beginnings of something akin to a plan forming in my mind.
"Good!" She chirps. She looks all too pleased with my words, for whatever reason. "I'll let you go for now, sleep well dear."
I wordlessly bow to her before turning to leave, the door closing shut with a click.
I march through the hallway, a hand raised to my face and pinching the bridge of my nose. I told it there, squeezing my eyes shut and counting.
One.
Two.
Three.
I pull my hand away and stare. My hand still trembles in anticipation, the echoes of possible violence running through my skull, pumping itself into my veins.
How long has it been since I've last indulged? To inflict or have it inflicted matters not, something needs to happen, before I lose my temper. Were that to happen again, who knows what damage I could deal to my Lady's plans?
It can't be permitted, I have to-
I blink, something clicking together in my head, the beginnings of a plan slowly beginning to unravel itself.
I must do something with the Fox, and I must sedate this feeling. So why not combine the two into one, to kill two birds with one stone?
A small, thankful smile takes place on my face as I continue my march to my room. I must sleep before doing anything else, and go over what I must say to her, to convince her.
So long as she says yes, all will go well.
It must.
…
"I can't believe you."
"I don't see the problem." I say with a hum, ignoring her exasperated sigh. "I asked, you said yes. I didn't force you to accept."
"You asked me if I wanted to relax today, you call this relaxing?"
"Yes. Do you not?"
"Obviously not! Relaxing to me is sleeping in, lazing about on something comfortable, or even a damn good message ." She raises her sword to chest height, pointing its blunted tip towards me. "Beating each other with sticks isn't on that list!"
"I disagree." I say with a shrug, giving my sword a few practice swings. It lacks both the weight and feel of my preferred blade, too light and grip lacking the grooves I've adjusted tk. How long has it been since I last held a training sword, one made of wood instead of steel? I can't recall a single memory of it.
It's for the best.
Were I more trusting of her skills in combat, I'd use steel regardless. A better representation of the feel of a fight than these light wooden mockeries, but I don't want to ruin what little progress we've made by overestimating her abilities. Better there be bruises than bloodshed.
That, too, is for the best.
"If it's such an issue though, then we'll drop it now. I thought this would be enjoyable, that's all." I offer, looking over the fox, she's been silent for quite a while. Her tail lazily swishes from side to side, sword hanging from a relaxed grip that her body matches. I don't look for long before focusing my sight on her face.
"Well, we're already here, aren't we?" She says with a roll of her eyes, groaning afterwards. "Ugh, I'm not exactly comfortable with straight melee, but I suppose I'll lower myself to it."
We'll have to leave after we finish if we spar or not, so what would it matter if it were to leave now? Surely she realises that, no? Pfeh, what a befuddling woman.
"We'll both live with the discomfort then." I say in place of stating my thoughts. It matters little, so long as she makes the attempt.
"How are you uncomfortable, isn't this your speciality?" She asks, tilting her head. I raise an eyebrow and stare. It takes the fox a moment before it seems to click, an amused look dancing within golden eyes. "Ah, I see."
"As do I. Far too much. At least wear pants."
"Clothing is so restrictive, so itchy! We aren't meant to wear them, you know."
"As you've said." I sigh. I've already expected as much from her, I resigned myself to this fate before we began.
"I have a feeling you don't believe me."
"I have a feeling you don't care."
"Ah, you know me so well!" She says with a giggle, amusement returning once more. She hums, passing the sword from one hand to the other with a flourish, letting it hang by her side.
"You're left handed?" I ask, raising a brow. That's new to me. I wonder, is this the first time she's shown it off, or is it the first time I've noticed? Quite uncommon regardless.
"Mhm, though I can use my right hand rather well, my left is my preferred. Does that matter?"
"In small ways, but it could matter in a pinch. Different striking positions, you'd have more experience fighting right handed people than the opposite." It's a miniscule difference truthfully, but if ones mind slips for a moment, it could be all that's needed. "It's best to use any advantage possible."
Underhanded or not, even if it goes against basitin teachings. Even as my pride burns in my chest.
"Any advantage, hm? Would me being naked count as one?"
"I'm going to hit you." I say simply, calmly, ignoring the damnable foxes words. I take the grip in both hands, holding the blade steady in front of me. "Be ready."
"Have been from the start, Knight. The real question is…" She brings her sword above her shoulder, straight and held taut with a firm grip. She bends her knees, free arm held in front of her and tail swishing behind. A strange stance, though poised for deflection and stabbing.
Her grin widens, a mischievous gleam flashes in her eyes.
"Are you ready Zeke?"
"Huh?" His voice brings me out of the memory, an abrupt end that takes me off guard. I wipe away the sleep in my eyes with a free palm, hoping that it takes the haze over my mind with it. It doesn't.
Shit, what's going on again?
'Sparring session. Welcome back, by the way.'
Ah, right. With Edward and such, took me off to a field for this. I've been half awake since he's picked me up from Anna's. Half awake, half recalling memories anyway. Ugh. To have a dream of a spar the same day must be some sort of cosmic joke.
"Zeke?"
"Sorry, just lost in thought is all." I shake my head, tapping knuckles against my temple. That helps a bit. "Had a weird dream. Memory, rather, it's the same thing in the end."
"I wasn't aware that you were still dreaming about your past, what was it about?" He asks. He pauses for a moment, lips dipping into a frown. "If you want to talk."
He sounds concerned, but trying to not pry too much. I haven't really been keeping him up to date with this, have I?
'Not in the slightest.'
Dammit. Well, gotta start somewhere, might as well be here.
"I was at a masquerade with someone, the Dragon's Masquerade specially. I stood around and took part in the event, but my job was to observe. Talked to some people there." I explain. "I don't think I was very important there, but I had to go anyway."
"Really? Hm, sounds like a strange task then." He hums to himself, a hand reaching up to scratch his chin. "I know of it, I believe Father may have attended one at some point. Not the previous one, though, that was only a few years ago by this point."
"Years?" My ears twitch, lips dipping downwards. Bit of an old memory, I wonder why my brain dragged it up. Or why it was so long to begin with, it must've been important to have skipped ahead so much.
What a hell of a memory, though. Why don't you throw more bullshit on my plate? I can't imagine being on friendly terms with that emerald lady, given my track record, no matter how it looked then. How could I fight her if it was brought to that point? How do you beat someone so revered for their strength, who can apparently see everything? What else could she manage?
'You already know that it comes at a cost, power tends to. She may be stronger now, yes, but she's still human. She'll have some weakness, we all do in the end.
I know, I know, could you let me bitch for a moment?
'Your moping won't improve your chances, so no. You might wanna pay attention though.'
I force my attention back to reality with the shake of my head. Again.
"Sorry, what'd you say?"
"We don't have to do this today if you don't want to. Don't want to push too hard." There's an uncomfortable look on his face as he speaks.
'I wonder if he speaks from personal experience.'
I imagine he does. Poor, poor man, I've done little to ease his worries. He hasn't brought it up too much to my memory either, it must've been weighing on him for a while.
"I'm fine, honest, just have a lot on my mind, that's all." I say, hoping that it sedated his worries a little. Given the frown on his face, I don't think it does. Dammit. "I'll tell you soon, cross my heart."
I make a crossing motion over my heart, giving him a smile all the while. His sigh sounds tired, though his body relaxes just a little. Mission success!
"You don't have to."
"Ah, but I want to, so you have no choice."
"Stubborn bastard."
"Yep, that's me." I say with a grin, the air feeling significantly lighter. I heft my sword over my shoulder, tapping my fingers against the handle. "Now, wanna get to it? Don't wanna bore our audience too much."
I motion towards said audience with my head, Mabel and Lucy sit a small distance away from each other, though both under the shade of a tree. Mabel's taken to resting against the trunk, knees curled up to her chest, half lidded eyes glued to us. Lucy sits far closer comparatively, her legs crossed and back straight, a notebook and quill both glow a dull blue as they levitate beside her.
Both look attentive, though I imagine Lucy's interest is far from pure. And Mabel looks like she's going to fall asleep. She's doing her best.
Ah, I should've tried to convince her to sleep in, poor girl. I probably kept her up.
'She had the choice to stay or come, she chose the latter.'
I know, I remember our conversation.
"Nice field for a fight though, find it yourself?" I ask, turning my sight back towards Edward as I do so.
"Mhm. Others probably know, but I don't see them around. It's nice if you want some alone time." He answers, a soft, though sad smile on his face. "I've no issue showing people this place, though I don't do so often."
He must've shown Lucy this place before, seeing as this is the same field we used to practise a little. How adorable! I'll have to tease him about it later.
He grips his sword with both hands, holding it in front of him.
"I'm ready." He says, voice determined and a competitive glint in his eyes.
I only grin, flicking my blade to my side and bending my knees, free arm waiting off to the side.
I think about the partner for a moment, an image of her own stance flashing in my mind.
Both pass as I dash towards Edward, raising my sword to the sky and chopping downwards.
Maybe it's the remnants of the dream that still weighs on my head, maybe it's my mind finally moving past those that I've killed, but I feel my heart sing as he brings up his own blade to parry, the clashing of metal a symphony in my mind.
It feels wonderful.
I backstep to avoid his counterattack, a swift slash across the chest that misses by inches. He pushes forward with another cut, which I block handily. It lacks power, feeling more like a probing strike than anything.
I flick it away as best I can and make for a jab, directing it towards his sword arm. He catches it and shoves it downwards.
I pull both it and myself away from him before he can finish the movement, heart thundering in my chest and a grin on my face. Was he trying to disarm me there? The cheek!
And so it continues on and on, each repeated filling my veins with its rapturous feeling. Each strike feeling like I've returned to somewhere important.
I'd strike, he'd parry and counter, which I'd counter in turn. We'd never stay out of swords reach for long.
He brings his sword down onto me, which I redirect down and away. I move my head to begin a headbutt.
Something in my gut flares, screeching at me. I pull away at the last second.
He brings his sword upwards- not with the edge itself, but with the pommel as a bludgeon. I feel the air whip against my fur as the crossguard brushes past me.
A close call, but a potential opening.
I force a clash by pushing myself into him, shoving the flat of our swords against each other. My free hand reaches up and grasps at his handle, fingers prying in between his hands.
I see the sweat dripping down his face, brows furrowed in concentration. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, but he has to make a decision.
He could reach for my sword and force a swap, but with both hands busy, would he have enough time before I force it off of him? What will he do?
I grin, pushing further still, fingers squeezing ever tighter-
Pain explodes from my left foot.
"Fuck!" I yelp, immediately disengaging and stumbling away. Each step brings a new wave of stinging pain, ducking under another swing.
Did he just stomp on my foot? What a little shit!
I find it amusing, though the pain smothers the feeling. Better end this soon, before he can abuse my footing. He's already raised his sword up high once again.
Alright, let's go all in.
I grit my teeth and focus through the pain as best I can, flipping my blade around to the blunt, heavier edge, taking it in two hands.
He brings it down, instead of trying to block or parry it, I use my blade to swing at it like a bat, twisting and putting as much weight into it as I can. It strikes its sides with the loud clashing of metal, both of us swinging wide because of it.
I let go, letting my sword land wherever it pleases and force my body to move into him, barreling my shoulder into his stomach. I hear the man choking above my head as I wrap my arms around his waist.
I grunt as I lift him off of his feet, squeezing ever tighter as he struggles.
'God dammit Zeke.'
I lean backwards and, with as much force as I can muster, drive the both of us into the dirt. My vision swims as I smash the back of my head into it. Despite the muffling in my head, I still hear Edwards groans.
I crawl out from underneath him and over his back, discarded blade barely visible through the grass and blur, though out of arms reach.
I scramble to take hold before he can recover, sliding both of my arms underneath him, one around his throat and the other underneath the armpit of his sword arm. I squeeze them both, though not too tight on the throat, I pull hard enough to yank his arm up and off of the ground,
"I'm winner." I say, slurring in both voice and mind shifting around to lay my body on his spare arm. He struggles beneath me, legs kicking up dirt as he tries to find purchase to stand. My grip around him tightens.
He goes limp a few seconds later with a groan.
"Alright, you got me." I let him go at last, rolling off of his body..
"Woo!" I cheer, raising my fists to the air in celebration. I hold it there for a moment before letting it sink back to the earth. I stare up at the clear sky, my breathing heavy and a pleasant burn in my muscles.
It's a wonderful feeling, how light my heart feels after letting loose. I can't stop the smile that my lips curl into, not that I bother anyways.
"Mng, I should've expected you to grab me." Edward groans from beside me. I turn my sight from the skies to his still body, chest heaving with laboured breath and eyes closed. He'll be fine in the end. "Expected the headbutt, didn't think it'd be a feint."
"You saw it coming last time I did it, wanted to bait you out." I say. I remember the last time that happened, it hurt like a bitch. Thought he'd try that again, not try to pommel my face, worked out in the end. I stretch my arm to reach to him, jabbing his arm. "Stomping my foot like that, you cheeky bastard!"
It doesn't hurt as much anymore, though I might have to favour it for a bit.
"I took some inspiration from your unique style." He says with a laugh. It sounds nice. "But you won, the score's two to three now."
"Pfah, should be two to two at worst, I had the last fight in the bag."
"Only in your dreams, Zeke." He chuckles before pushing himself into a sitting position, grunting as he does so. "Alright, let's get going then."
We're getting up now? But I just got comfortable!
"Ugh." I groan, though I follow his example, a fresh coat of pain pinging around in my head. A tad unpleasant.
'I wonder whose fault that is.'
Worth, I'll do it again too.
"Here." I look up to Edward, the man standing over me with a hand outstretched. Though marred by streaks of dirt and dripping with sweat, there's a pleased smile on his face.
"Thanks." I take his hand in my own. He grunts as he yanks me onto my feet, I feel a bit wobbly, but I'll manage.
"How's your head?"
"Peachy, how's your face?"
"I've been through worse." He says with a chuckle. "You look better."
"I feel better." I admit, hiding a small wince. Aside from the foot, I shouldn't put too much weight on it. "Good to get my mind off of things. Which I'll tell you about sometime soon."
Him, Anna, Mabel too. If they want to know, they deserve it. I don't want to burden them, but leaving them in the dark would only worry them.
"I told you that you don't have to."
"And I told you that you don't got a choice, remember?"
"Heh, that you did." There's a soft smile on his face. It warms my heart.
"Whatcha talkin bout?"
"Gah!" I yelp and jump away from the voice, warmth consumed by cold shock. Lucy stands beside me, a sly smile on her face. "Don't do that!"
"Hey, I didn't do anything, it's not my fault you weren't paying attention." She says with a giggle, lifting her hand. Our swords come up from beside her, wreathed in blue mist. "Adorable play fighting, by the way. Here's your toys, boys."
"My thanks, Lucy." Edward says, reaching a hand out to her. His sword's shoved into his hand soon after, handle first instead of blade, which surprises me.
"Thanks." I say after a moment of silence, the word initially slipping from my mind. Lucy rolls her eyes, but hands it over to me, which I immediately sheath.
"At least one of you has some manners. That aside, it's quite entertaining watching you two fight, though a tad brutish." She says with a hum. It sounds like a compliment, though a tad backhanded. "Most people tend to hold back a bit during sparring matches, ya know? I personally thought it made for a dull sight."
"Do they?" I ask with a blink. I haven't really given it much thought, nor have I seen other people spar very much, outside of that one town. The name eludes me for now. "I've just done what comes naturally."
Better bruises than bloodshed.
I push away the faint whisperings of the memory.
"Should I lighten up a then?" I continue, looking at Edward.
"I'd prefer it if you didn't." He responds with a shake of his head. "Giving it your all is helping me improve, as much as I'm helping you in turn."
"What if you get hurt?" What if I hurt you? I repress a shudder, though my lips dip into a frown. A cold bit brews in my stomach at the thought.
"It happens occasionally, wouldn't be the first time I've gotten cut, though I've not really been bruised as much before I met you." He says with a shrug. There's a soft smile on his face. "We normally have someone to help heal us up afterwards, too. Besides all that, I trust your abilities to fight, and to stop if need be."
Were I more trusting of her skills?
Another flash of a memory, my heart twists and skips a beat.
What an odd feeling, to have such lovely warmth sitting beside a horrifically numbing chill.
"Hah, thanks." I say, forcing my mind back to the conversation. Best not let myself be lost in those feelings. "I trust you with this too, feels nice to let loose a bit."
"I imagine it would." He says with a snort, a smile on his face, though it falls soon enough. "Are you busy today, by any chance?"
"Huh?" I pause, rummaging through my head for an answer. "I don't think so, what's up?"
"Uncle asked me to speak to you about seeing him sometime today."
"Ah."
"Sorry, I know you don't-"
"Nah, it's alright." I interrupt him, waving a hand. "I'll have a chat with him."
"You don't have to."
"I'm fine with it, honest." He doesn't seem entirely convinced, but seems to let it go with a sigh. I look over at Lucy. "You've been quiet, enjoying the show?"
"Quite!" She says with a giggle, a sly smirk on her face. "Seeing you two interact is so very interesting."
"I'm sure it is. Sadly, you'll have to settle with studying Eddy by his lonesome for now." I nudge Edward with an elbow, giving him a smirk and a wink. "Best of luck, try to keep your pants on."
"What?!"
I ignore his indignant denial with a laugh, giving both a short wave before walking off. I hear him stammering something behind me, along with Lucy's giggling as I approach the tree.
It looks like Mabel dozed off, the girl forsaking the tree and curled up into a ball instead, her tail acting as a mix between blanket and pillow both, arms curled around it. There's a peaceful look on her face, her nose scrunching up whenever her tail hair brushes too close.
Ah, that's lovely.
'You'll have to wake her up, then.'
I know, just enjoying the sight is all. I sit cross legged beside her, gently scratching behind an ear.
She mumbles something in her sleep, her tail flicking against her face. She pushes her head further into my hand with a twitching ear. I hum a meaningless tune, scratching away.
Another hand joins in, soft petting atop her head and the brushing of my thumb against her cheek She stirs after a while, eyelids fluttering before sluggishly opening. Half lidded eyes stare up at me, though they look as if they're about to fall anyways, golden eyes a muddled haze.
"Morning, kid." I say, brushing a hand through her hair.
"Mrng." Her response is less of a word and more akin to a murr, eyes squeezing shut. She stretches, not unlike a cat, letting out a muffled groan before going lax, her eyelids snapping open and eyes ablaze with an attentive glow. "Good morning."
"How was your sleep?"
"Mn." She grunts, hands gripping my legs and using them as leverage, pulling herself onto me. She nestles her head into the crook of my neck, lazing onto me. "It was okay."
"Better than before? You didn't look the best this morning." I push my cheek to hers. Ain't that an understatement, she looked like she didn't get any sleep, poor girl. I wonder if I kept her up, I know I roll around in my sleep.
"Mhm." She nods, wrapping her arms around my back and squeezing. I return the hug, a hand running up and down her back.
"Sorry if I kept you up."
"Nuh, not your fault. I kept myself up, wanted to sleep later, avoid the bad dreams." She shakes her head, nuzzling into my neck as she does so. I frown, she doesn't sound bothered, but still. "I don't like those dreams, but it's okay."
"I'm sorry." I truly am. I wonder if there's a way to share a dream, so I can protect her from her nightmares.
'You have your own to worry about, the consequences of them are far worse.'
My nightmares are the exception, not the rule. I can handle mine, a child shouldn't need to.
"It's okay." She says with a shrug. She squeezes once more before pulling away. "Did you win?"
"Mhm, sure did kid." I reach up and tussle her hair. She pushes into my hand and hums.
"Do you… feel better?" She asks, slowly this time, her head tilting to the side. Hah, worried about me, was she? What a sweetheart.
"Definitely." I answer with a nod, redoubling the patting efforts. She really shouldn't have to worry about me, dammit.
"Good!" She chirps, a bright, beaming smile on her face. Slipping away from my hand, she pulls herself back into a hug, mashing her cheek into mine. "Are we gonna go back to Anna's?"
Ah, she sounds so wonderfully happy. Dammit.
"I have to go into town for something." I say with a wince. "Just gotta talk to the Captain about something."
"Oh." Just like that, the happiness in her voice dissipates. Dammit.
"I can drop you off at Anna's-"
"Can I come?" She interrupts me. I blink, both the question itself and the fact she's done so surprises me.
"You don't have to."
"I know, I want to come."
"I'll come back as soon as I can."
"I know, I still wanna go."
"You'll be around-"
"Zeke." Her voice is a harsh whisper, her arms squeezing around my neck. "Please?"
I close my eyes and sigh. Dammit, stubborn little girl.
'Heh.'
Not another word from you.
"Alright, alright. You can come along." I finally relent. Her nuzzling cheek warms my heart, and her giggling cheer makes it sing. "Let's get it out of the way now. Wanna ride on my shoulders?"
"Mhm." She lets go of me for a moment solely to scramble over my shoulders, her tail battering my face before slipping out of view, hands gripping mine. "I'm ready."
Ah, what an eager little lady she is.
"Alright, keep steady then." I slowly stand, the girl swaying atop my shoulders. It only takes a moment to finish, my hands taking hold of her ankles instinctively. "Good to go?"
"Mhm!" Another giggle, she shuffles around a bit. "Are Lucy and Edward coming too?"
I take a chance to look over to the pair. They seem to be mid conversation, Edward raising his hands in the air defensively with Lucy leaning towards his face, hands clasped behind her back. There's a nervous look on the mans face.
Hah, I'm sure they're getting along well then.
"Nah, they look busy."
"What are they doing?"
"Flirting, I think."
"Oh, okay." I'm not sure what's funnier, the thought of the two together, or how readily Mabel accepted it as a possibility. Either way, I can't help but chuckle a little.
He'll be fine, probably. I give myself a quick look over before tapping her leg.
"Alright, we're off."
With that, I walk the both of us towards town.
Let this little meeting be a short one.
…
"I'm pleased that you've come, Zeke. Though I didn't expect you so soon."
"Wanted to rip the band-aid off." I wave dismissively. "Don't think bout it too hard, Cappy. What's the situation?"
"I've another job for you, a different one from before."
"Lay it on me then, might as well hear you out."
"We've reports of unusual activity in the north. Some initially believed it to be travellers, though I had my suspicions. I had some of my men look into it just this morning." He pushes a scroll over to me. "Read over it."
Not even a please? How rude of him. Regardless, I unfurl the parchment and read.
'At request of our captain, Alexander and I have travelled north to Wolfwatch Tower to observe the area. The keep remains ruined, as it has been for years. Alexander and I have separately counted between fifteen and twenty moving in and out of the keep, though we both believe there could be more. We have seen them taking boxes of what I believe to be supplies into the keep, I believe they've taken up residence there, using it as a base of sorts. Strangely enough, it's not just humans, as we've seen keidran among the lot. Despite working together, they seem to bicker and step on one another's toes, so to speak, yet they stay all the same. We've had to make do with what little information we could gather, as neither of us wish to risk staying for too long nor approach, out of fear of being spotted. Alexander has been kind enough to leave below examples of who we've seen.'.
Sketches lie at the bottom of the page, hastily drawn and shaky. A rough sketch of a broken keep, of a muscled man but otherwise featureless wearing pants and nothing else, an axe dangling off of his hip. The keidran beside him looks like a wolf from the looks of it, a strap along its chest with knives attached to it and a sword to its hip.
"What do you think they are? Bandits?" I ask the Captain as I curl the scroll together, putting it down.
"Potentially. What I believe they could be matters not, we must investigate them further" He takes the scroll back to his side, leaving it before him. "It could fizzle out to nothing in the end, or it could be an incoming raid. I hope for the former, I will prepare for the latter."
"Doo raids happen often? In general, I mean, not just here."
"When you're on the border between human and keidran lands, there's always the threat, less so the further inland you reside. Wolves are a notable culprit, for goods and bodies to sell to slavers, though they seem to prefer to target other keidrans. The thought of human and wolf keidrans working together to raid humans would be a rarity among rarities, let alone carrying it out." He's silent for a moment, fingers drumming along the table. "They raided us. Once. I will not let it happen again."
"Ah." I wince. Sounds rough. "I'm sorry."
"It's not something you need to apologise for. People are still recovering from it, some never will." I see him close his eyes beneath his helmet. "There's a reason we have a section of town left to rot. They struck them first."
I stay silent, there's not much I feel like I should say.
"I should've done things better."
"Maybe you could've, who's to say? Can't change out the cards you've already played. Besides," I wrap my knuckles against the table, pointing a finger towards the scroll. "You're making preparations now, aren't you? Not just for right now, but for what may happen in the future, trying to give yourself the best hand you can for the people. And if not you, then whoever may take your place. Give yourself some credit for that.
I'm not sure where I'm pulling that all from, but it flows from my mouth without hesitation. He blinks, slowly, before giving a soft chuckle.
"I didn't think you'd attempt to comfort me, Zeke. I'm quite surprised."
"Call it what you want, I'm just saying what I believe." I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms. "I accept your mission, in case that wasn't obvious."
"I haven't even told you what it is yet."
"Then tell me so I can accept it properly. If it's for the village, I'll do it in a heartbeat, I have people I care for here." Another chuckle, louder than before.
"I can see why my nephew speaks of you so highly." He says, voice filled with warmth, and pride. Edward talks about me with him? Cute. "A scouting mission is all I want of you, simply hover around the area and obtain as much information as you can. Their numbers, motives, resources, anything and everything."
I'm glad that I've already accepted the mission. If I dared to open my mouth, I'd have to explain my laughter. A scouting mission, really? Ah, fate has the worst fucking sense of humour.
I nod instead.
"Good." The Captain seems relieved, relaxing back into his chair. "You're more suited to these types of tasks than my own men."
"Do I really look like a man who does those things?"
"No, just that you're more suited. I'm aware of their strengths and weaknesses, I have to be." He leans forward, nodding. "I'll leave you for today then, I'll like for you to go north sometime tomorrow, if not that, then the day after. Sooner is preferable. Perhaps the cover of night may assist you."
Mn, at night? I suppose the darkness may help, as tiring as it may be.
"Night it is then." I confirm with a nod. "I'll tell you what I've seen come morning, or even deeper in the night, if you're awake."
"The latter then. I imagine having quite a sleepless night then." He reaches out with a hand, letting it hang between us.
I reach out and grab it, giving him a firm shake, which he responds with in kind.
"Good luck, Zeke."
"I'll need it." And with that, we pull away from each other.
"Do you have questions before you go?" He asks, curling his hands together.
I hum to myself. Not much to ask about the mission itself, seeing as it's primarily about gaining information that he doesn't have. I don't want to ask personal questions, they'll serve no purpose if it's about him, and I won't go behind Edwards back to ask about him. I can't really think of anything, although…
"I don't have any questions, but I think I should let you know something." I finally respond. It seems to catch his interest, judging from his humming.
"At your own pace."
"You remember the last task you gave me, right? About that man who interrupted us."
"The one in black, yes, assuming you're not speaking of the fox instead. Stranger, as you called him."
"He's been following me as of late, apparently. I had a hunch that someone was following me, so I called them out, and he appeared."
"What happened next?"
"We had a little chat, he mentioned that he'd been watching me, that I'm a 'person of interest'. Had to give back that knife he left behind, too."
"I see." He grumbles, nodding soon after. "Do you believe he has something to do with the north?"
"Just a gut feeling for now, but I trust it. He just so happens to be around at the same time, he talked about having to put plans together for me. I think he has something to do with what's happening up north, either being the cause itself or someone using it to his advantage. It seems too coincidental for me to dismiss it."
"What do you believe his motive is, then?"
"He wants to kill me. Or, he wants me to kill him, I'm not sure if he cares either way. I think he wants to make this a show to amuse himself," I raise a hand, tapping my temple. "He's a bit fucked in the head, I don't know why. I know he was normal once."
"Did you know him personally?"
"I only have a few memories of him, but yeah, I think so." I say. It depends on when his insanity started, if we were still working together years ago but he's only started to show up lately, that's a whole lot of time or shit to go wrong. I don't know for sure yet. I shake my head. "Sorry, it's just a gut feeling I have. I wanted to bring it up just in case."
"Hmn. I'll keep it in mind. I had my suspicions about the man myself, I'll take your thoughts into consideration." He nods, eyes narrowing. "Thank you for telling me, Zeke. Any other questions or information?"
"Nope. I'll head up north soon, should I come here before going?"
"Yes, if only to tell me you're going. I've things to prepare, should something occur in your absence."
"Got a lot of planning then, eh? I'll leave you to it." I say before standing, the chair screeching into the floor. "Good luck Cappy."
"And to you." With his words and a polite wave as a farewell, I shove the chair back under the desk and leave.
The door hasn't even creaked open before Mabel appears from behind it, ears twitching and eyes shining.
"Is everything okay?" She asks, head tilting to the side.
"Everything's good for now kid." I respond, closing the door shut before ruffling her hair. She pushes her head into it, as always. "I have to do something tomorrow night, but I'll be back before morning."
"Mn, okay." She looks half disappointed and half enthusiastic, sounding much the same, likely from the pettings. A strange mix for a strange girl.
"How about you? Did anyone come around?"
"Nope. No one at all."
"Do you remember what I told you to do?"
"Scratch their eyeballs, scream and run for you. Claw their thighs if I can't reach."
"Atta girl." It feels strange to compliment her for remembering such a thing, but better safe than sorry.
The beaming smile she gives me looks so delighted, so proud of herself. It almost hurts.
"I'm free now though, until tomorrow." I say, kneeling before her. I can't even get a word out before she leans into me, her cheek pressing against mine and arms wrapped around me. I hug her back, squeezing lightly. "You haven't eaten today, have you? Wanna go get some food?"
"Mmhm, yes please." Her words and voice sound polite, she nods her head with vigor.
'I agree with this idea. Let's go eat.'
You would. Guess that settles it then.
"Let's get going.." I pull away from her, hand still ruffling her head. "Wanna sit on my shoulders again?"
"Nnm, not this time." She shakes her head, much to my surprise. "I wanna walk with you."
"If that's what you want, kid." With that, I stand upright, stretching my back and letting my spine pop. Fuck, Cappy really needs to invest in better chairs. "I'll get you something nice and meaty."
"Okay!" She says with a chirp, the girl already glueing herself to my side. She looks up to me with a smile.
And she pushes her hand into mine, squeezing lightly.
My heart stops and mind blanks before panic seizes them both. Has she done this before? Maybe, but this feels so very personal to me now. What am I meant to do?
'Shes seen others doing it, she'd copy it. Even if she doesn't understand completely.'
Fuck. God dammit.
For a moment, the smile on her face falls, a cloud of worry masking her delighted eyes.
I return the squeeze before it can falter further, giving her what I hope to be a warm smile, even if my heart thunders in my ears.
The smile on her face makes it worth it.
….
Blood drips from her lips, dribbling down her chin and onto the plate below, staining both fur and wood.
My lips twitch into a smile, pushing a piece of egg into my mouth. It's so both amusing and interesting to me, to see someone so adorable gnaw and rip at a piece of meat.
I wonder what that says about me.
'Far too much, I imagine. Now eat!'
I roll my eyes, jamming my fork into a sausage and taking a bite.
Sausage and eggs, a basic sounding meal, but I won't deny the pure taste of it. I have no idea what they put into these things, there's a hint of some sort of spice in the meat. The eggs themselves lack those spices, but it's cooked well overall.
'They can mix bird meat and spit for all I care. Why don't we eat this more?'
Something about money? Not sure, this tastes pretty damn good. But we won't be able to have it all the time. Doesn't help that I forget to eat.
'Then I'll either remind you myself or have the kid do it, this is lovely.'
"That's quite a delighted face there, I assume you approve?" A teasing voice brings me from my thoughts. I finish chewing and swallow the piece, looking over to the source.
"Definitely, give my compliments to the cook." I reply, raising my fork as a toast. I immediately feel awkward about it. It's a fork, not a mug. Whoops.
"She'll be pleased to hear." Lyn says with a giggle, I'm not sure if it's at my words or actions, but I'll live with either. She lets out a sigh, hand wiping away the sweat beading on her forehead. "Whew, glad everything's a bit calmer though."
"Busy day?"
"Like you wouldn't believe." She says with a roll of her eyes. I would,even if she didn't look and sound so tired. She puts on a smile though, looking over to Mabel. "How's your food sweetheart, liking it? I tried to make sure you got fresh meat."
Her ears quirk upwards as she's spoken too, eyes darting from steak to Lyn. She quickly pulls away from the meat, a faint pink blush on her cheeks.
"I do, thank you." She whispers, a demure smile on her face.
"Awh, no worries dear. Any time." Lyn coos over the girl, smile widening for a moment before looking to me. "I didn't forget your extra order either, just took a bit to find."
"Ah, I didn't mean to be a hassle."
"Not your fault hun, been a while since it's been ordered is all" She reaches onto her plate, taking hold of a mug and planting it in front of me. The liquid inside swishes against the rim. "Not often we're asked for tea, let alone blueberry tea."
"Thought of it once in a dream." I take the mug in a hand, peering inside. The deep red swirls within. A familiar sight.
"Any time hun, call me if you need anything." With her words and a bow of a head, she leaves. I see Mabel out of the corner of my eye, already tearing into her meal.
With a shrug and the gathering of some mental resolve, I bring the mug to my lips and take a sip.
It tastes wonderful.
…
Authors note: Merry Christmas, happy new year.