The Ruby Empire

Rovil the Halfling: Part Two

Male Halfling x Female Human

I know that I've been gone for a long time. It's been several years since I've been in this town. I've thought of it as home all these years. It was what kept he journeying on and kept me fighting. Well, that and you. I doubt you even remember me. All these years have gone by and I don't see it possible that you could remember a blip of a person like me. I don't care. As long as you're safe and happy that's all I need.

I walk down the old stone steps where you had first found me. Unlike today, it had been a cold night just before winter. It was fall now and while the air was crisp it wasn't unbearable. I wouldn't freeze to death sleeping outside if I had to.

I stand before your shop, the bakery. I look up at it and my heart begins to race. I want to see you so much. The time I spent with you was the best of my life. You made me feel big and strong, but you also made me feel my weakest.

I set my pack down and pace the stones across from the bakery. I can't decide what to do. I so want to see you, but just walking in out of the blue seems too much. I promised I would come back when I had finally gotten rid of Abadon. While that wasn't the case, I had learned to control him. I could kiss you now without fear. Well, at least the normal fears, but still.

I sit down and cover my head. What if you were married and happy? You deserved to be. But I still held this faint glimmer that you were waiting for me. It was a selfish, childish wish to keep you all to myself. But you deserve better than me. I'm still a liar. I'm still only a Halfling.

I watch people come in and out of the bakery. They all seem happy when they leave. Some kids come out munching cookies or sweets. I can still remember the taste of your pastries and treats you fed me. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, which I always found stupid. I only really understood once the pack you made me was depleted. I savored that last roll, those last few crumbs of cookie. I had never felt so alone as when I swallow that last bite of your cooking.

Thinking and over thinking will only get me so far, so I stand up. I gather my things and walk across the street. I stand at the door, staring at the knob. I feel like I'm having a staring contest with this knob and it is winning. I reach for it, knowing the only thing that stood between me and you was this door.

The door hits me in the face.

I hit the ground and cuss. "Oh my god! I'm so sorry!"

"What the fuck?" I snarl, my face in pain. I'd been punched before but this hurt so much worse.

"I didn't see you there, I'm so sorry," your voice is soft and sympathetic. "Here, come inside, I'll patch you up right-" you voice cuts short as my hand slips away from my face.

It's you. Still as lovely as the last day I saw you.

Your eyes are wide and round, you look as though you may cry. "Oh my-" you whisper. You touch my face as if testing to see if I'm real.

I scoff. "I was wondering if I could have my job back."

You smile and laugh, helping me back onto my feet. "I was just getting ready to close up the store. Why don't you go inside and wait for me? Go get cleaned up and relax a bit. I'm sure you're tired."

"Getting hit in the face didn't help." I hold onto your hand.

"I'm sure it didn't." You show me inside and to the stairs that led up to your home. "I'll be quick. I promise."

"Don't worry," I say. "It's been a long time anyway." I turn and walk up the stairs. Not much has changed. There is some new furniture, a new oven. I notice small step stools and cabinets and shelves that are close to the floor.