Heart of Fire

Chapter Sixteen

The village during the evening has always been my favorite time to be there. There are no words to explain the nightlife in the village. It is almost as if it truly comes to life at night, rather than during the day. Dim lights gleam on the streets, giving it a homey feel. Music plays on every corner, children dancing merrily to the instruments played by complete strangers to them. The scent of freshly baked desserts fills the air, making my stomach rumble. Everyone in the village is out talking to one another, whether they've ever met before or not. They are a family, a union. It upsets me to know they are ruled by a King who does not care for them. A King who knows of their underprivileged life, not offering any sort of help.

As Hudson and I walk down the cobblestone street, hand in hand, he waves to the children who greet him with a bright smile on his face. Everyone in this town looks up to him, appreciates him, I can tell just from walking with him. It warms my heart to know that he is looking out for them, that he wants to be involved with his people. Kenton was right, he would make an outstanding King.

Hudson leads me to a small tavern, The Peasant's Flask, as the sign reads. He opens the door for me, beckoning me inside the rundown venue. Walking in, I am immediately met with the sight of commoners dancing and drinking, laughing as they twirl and stomp in the middle of the tavern. A small band plays on a make-shift stage made out of wooden pallets that have begun rotting. They aren't bothered by it though, as they happily play their instruments to an upbeat tune.

Hudson takes my hand, leading me to the front of the tavern where the bar is located. As we pass through the crowd, the overflowing tables of people clap along to the beat, watching the dancing taking place before them. Even the bar is filled with people sitting on rotting wooden stools, drinking and laughing as they converse with one another.

"Good evening, Jackson!" Hudson greets the man working behind the bar.

A large, bare headed man turns to us with a toothy smile on his face. He serves a drink to a man at the bar before walking over to us.

"Well if it isn't my favorite prince! It's been too long since you've visited us, you rascal!" Jackson exclaims. He is a naturally loud man, easily heard over the rowdy music. Hudson laughs at his mockery.

"Apologies my friend. How are you? Is Dorothy still stuck with your smelly ass?" He questions, looking around for said woman.

"Yes, I am a lucky man to keep her around. Dorothy!" He calls to the woman working at the other end of the bar.

At the hollar of her name, a short, petite blonde turns in our direction, beaming once her eyes land on Hudson. She shouts a greeting, waving quickly before returning to swiftly hand out drinks to the thirsty customers. Jackson turns back to us, "Anyway, what can I get for you, lads?". If he recognizes me as the runaway girl with abilities, he doesn't say so. He treats me as if I were any normal commoner in this tavern.

"Two talls, straight from the keg, if you will." Hudson requests for the both of us.

I watch as Jackson grabs two glasses, filling them up from the large barrel of liquid. I don't take my eyes off of him as he does, making sure no unknown substances end up in my drink. You can never be too careful.

He hands us the glasses filled to the brim with a dark liquid. I let Hudson drink from his first, just to be safe. Once deemed unharmed, I take a sip from my own glass, my eyes watering as the strong fluid burns my throat. I make a face at the fowl drink, Hudson laughing at my disapproval. He's already downed half of his glass when he takes my hand, setting down his drink on the bar.

"Come on, let's dance!" He yells over the loud music.

He's already pulling me into the middle of the floor as I briskly set my practically full glass next to his, following him to the crowded space. He twirls me around, smiling brightly at me as people jump and stomp around us, fully engulfed in the music. It doesn't take long for me to be entranced in the dancing as well, skipping and pivoting along to the beat with Hudson. For the first time in a long time, I am genuinely laughing and having the most fun. I link elbows with strangers I've never met before, I let people twirl me in circles, smiling with them. It makes me feel alive again.