Entralling Bloom

9.) Gathering Ingredients

Rosalind

I took his hand, but maybe that was a mistake... I know he said the ingredients to the potion were far, but we're going pretty far out into the woods.

Rosalind looked around her. She and Albedo were slowly encased in dark and steely trees that gradually began obscuring the sun. 

Rosalind looked down at her hand, which was still engulfed in the gentle grip of Albedo's red and black gloves. Albedo was leading the way into the forest just outside of town, with Rosalind hesitantly following. 

He won't seem to let my hand go... maybe it's a chivalric gesture... or something he's doing to prevent us from being separated in this godforsaken forest. He's a knight, so in this scenario, I imagine it's his responsibility to keep me safe. Mondstadt's a city with knights and he's certainly acting just as courteous as an iron-clad paladin from a fable... Well, save for the fact he hasn't spoken since we left the city. It kind of feels like he's leading me to my doom, since we're walking into the monster-infested forest like this.

Ros had only followed Albedo because she knew Lisa well by now. Ros knew Lisa would likely send her straight back to Albedo had she refused to finish her job and get the levitation potion made. 

 Timaeus and Sucrose were kind enough and Lisa always makes me get potions from Albedo's alchemy shop. Surely if Timaeus and Sucrose are kind and trustworthy, their boss is too, right? Spooky woods aside, I'm sure this trip will be fun and rewarding. I hardly ever get to leave the city after all.

Forced enthusiasm aside, Albedo was practically dragging Rosalind along with his back turned to her, oblivious to the concerned expression creeping onto her face.

Rosalind stifled a sigh.

If I'm being honest with myself, I barely know Timaeus and Sucrose. I've only trusted them to help me mix mushrooms and flowers together. They're strangers to me. I wouldn't trust them enough to hike through a monster-infested forest with them. I wouldn't trust anyone enough to agree to that! So on Earth, why am I here with someone I know even less than Timaeus or Sucrose!?

Ros glanced up, throwing daggers at the back of Albedo's head.

I should say something right? He's been silent since he offered me his hand. I'm just letting him lead me god knows where without a single word. If I at least ask him where we're going, maybe that will help start a conversation. I'll just play it cool- and ask what ingredient we need first and where to find it. I'll say those words exactly:

'what ingredient do we need first and where do we find it?'

'what ingredient do we need first and where do we find it?'

'what ingredient do we need first and where do we find it?'

Rosalind mentally rehearsed her lines, trying to build up the courage to say them.

"H-Hey um, Mr. Albedo," Rosalind started, pushing back a lump in her throat. Initiating any sort of discussion always made her nervous, even in times like this when she knew her questions were more than warranted.

Albedo sharply whipped his head around, startling Rosalind. She squirmed a bit under his gaze.

Rosalind's forte wasn't small talk, but she needed to quell the anxiety welling up within her.  Everything about this situation was pushing Ros' buttons. She hated talking, she hated not knowing what was going on, and most importantly she hated being touched by strangers.