A Court of Singing Shadows

1.05 The Calm before the storm

chapter five| The Calm before the storm

"Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory." -Dr.Seuss

Turning to face Nesta as she hissed "They're dangerous." Her fingers digging into my arm as she continues to pull us from the mercenary. "Don't go near them again."

I can't remember the last time Nesta ever warned me about anything. It was always us looking after Elain, and then when Feyre came I looked after her too.
Nesta always had a soft spot for Elain, at least I know that if we ever faced a faerie Nesta would buy Elain time to run.
It never felt like Nesta was older, she was just my sister.

I study Nesta for a moment then look to Elain, her face is gone pale and tight. "What happened?" I ask.

"They're brutes, and will take any copper they can get, even it's by force."

Picturing the mercenary robbing my sisters makes me go stiff.

"She robbed you?" Already feel myself turning around towards the mercenary.

"Not her." Elain murmured.
"Some other one who passed through. We had only a few coins and got mad, but-"

"Why didn't you tell me." I say through clenched teeth.

"What could you have done" Nesta sneered. I stare at her right back unflinching.
"Challenged him to a fight with your little dagger? Or Feyre with your bow and arrow? And who in this sewer of a town would even care if we reported anything?"

  A dagger is always on me for protection, without I feel naked. Some people are weary of weapons but this dagger gives me a sense of safety. It's like an extension of my hand, so yes.
For my sisters I would fight a man to the death as long as they were safe.

"I could have protected Elain, a lot better than you." I say causally. I know I hit a nerve when Nesta raises her chin. As if looking down on me like I'm some peasant.

I stare back at her blankly.

Before Nesta can say anything Feyre interrupts.

"What about Tomas Mandray?" Feyre coolly says.

Her eyes flashed, but a movement behind us caught her eye, and she gives Feyre her best imitation of a sweet smile. "Your friend is waiting for you."

  Glancing over my shoulder, sure enough Isaac hale is watching from across the square, arms cross as he leaned against a building.  I don't mind Feyre seeing Isaac, she deserves to have an escape from all this family brings.
Plus I already warned Isaac that if he hurt her, I would break a bone of his, or two. I know Feyre never loved him but I'm sure Isaac marrying a Greenfield village girl has to sting.

Slowly turning my head back to Nesta as I glare.

Nesta clicked her tongue, crossing  her arms. "I do hope you two are taking precautions."

I scoff, as if you care.

"It's a bit to late to pretend to care," Feyre says. Looking at me as she says "I'll see you at home."

I nod to her giving her a quick smile as she leaves.

My sister both look at me expectantly, I wouldn't be surprised if they took the money off me themselves.

I glare at Nesta as I reached into my pocket. Elain takes a sharp breath and I don't even look at Elain as I push the money into her palm.

"I hope you're happy." I say bitterly as I turn to leave.

I already know that every copper me and Feyre earned will be spent in the next two hours. Well I was planning on picking pockets today anyway.

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A pocket watch, copper bracelet and a few coins is what I found today. I've seen better days but it's not my worse. It's not much but enough for me to buy a loaf of bread, which can last us awhile if we need it to.
I wish I could feel guilty about stealing but I don't. My family needs every coin we can get and if this is what I have to do, for them I'll do it.

It's almost funny, after having everything taken from me and my family. You think that once feeling the pain of loss would stop me from stealing.
I still remember what it felt like to have my home destroyed.
When all that was left of my piano was ruin.
That day I didn't just lose all of my favorite valuables. No I lost something much more valuable than that.

I lost myself.

My piano being teared down was just the start of it all. On the top of the piano, Amelia written in beautiful lettering.
That day, they ruined the girl I used to be.

Finally seeing the world for what it is changes you, I would know.

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The flames flicker and dance along the wood, lighting up the entire room. After dinner my family gathers around the fire for a quiet hour before bed. My sisters whispering and laughing fill my ears. As expected they spend every copper, on what I don't even know.

Elain brought back a new chisel for our father's wood carving. The cloak and boots they whined about last night were too expensive.
At least they're happy now.
Nesta even chopped wood for a second time without being asked. I guess we will how long this happiness last tomorrow.

I glance around the room finding my father in his chain half asleep.

I am not very far behind as my eyes start to get heavier. Today has been an eventful day to say the least. My mind feels like its been sucked dry and in desperate need of a recharge.

My eyes close and I am met with darkness. Feeling my body relax as my mind starts to drift away.
I might actually get some decent sleep tonight.

Oh how wrong I was.

The peaceful moment is gone in a blink of an eye when the sound of a powerful roar rips through cottage.

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Authors note: At the end of the Chapters I will do this that way I can talk to you guys lol.
I am having so much fun writing this, and I love Amelia's character. Can't wait for next chapter.