H I R A E T H

3) Realization

„What?" I turn to face the direction of the noise, but I'm unable to make out the orator, who is claiming this to be reality. For a second I presume that I imagined it, though it is due to the mass of people around me that I can't distinguish the person of speech.

„You sure are determined, Princess"
I shriek as I notice the tall guy standing next to me. Wondering I lean towards him while scrutinizing him with squinted eyes. „Did you just read my mind?!" I say, hinting that this was the most unacceptable violation of my privacy, although I just feel threatened by the chance of him telling the truth.

He laughs it off. „Oh, you were just talking to yourself. But I would prefer being able to mindread as well."
I stand there for a moment in thought before asking „So, why am I ‚determined' again?" I decide to accept the possibility of this being more than a dream. Thus I won't be acting as reckless as before.

„Hm .. Maybe because most people wouldn't just jump out of a window if someone already reassured to rescue them" he responds.
„Ohhh you're the guy from before!"
I call out. „ But I don't need your help?" I shrug.
„Oh? Alright, let's see" He says while starting to walk up front.
„ No need to sulk!" I yell as I go after him.
He chuckles lightly.

„So princess, you're not from around here, are you?" he assumes.
„Remind me again, why should I tell that to a stranger?"
He remains silent for a moment before replying:
„Then why are you following a stranger?" he says, turning around to face me.
„Im not. I just happen to be going in the same direction" I claim smirking

„Fair enough.
Sooo.. do you know why you were held captive?" he interrogates as I catch up to him.

I raise my eyebrows at his sudden question and complain "Why can't you just chit-chat like a normal person would? Like, ask my name?"

„Why would I do that? I already know your name"

I hold back my surprise and urge to find out, how he found out. Instead, I answer " Well you also already know that I'm not aware of the motivation of my kidnappers. I'm assuming you don't happen to be willing to fill me in?"

„Perhaps." he grins.
„Jerk"
„Actually my name's Lian"
I roll my eyes. „Where are we going?"

„Didn't you declare that you aren't following me?"
„I don't know. Did I?" I say, pursing my lips.

„I'm going to the market in town"
he explains.

„Woah you're not gonna sell me, are you?" I joke.
He throws a serious look at me.„We'll see about that"

We continue along the people-packed path and not long after we seem to be entering a market-like place. As I gaze around and stare at all the unordinary stalls and similar, I begin to perceive the faint smell of grilled something. My rumbling stomach makes not only me realize how starving I am.

„That place has nice stickfish" Lian mentions.
„Stickfish?" I repeat holding my laughter.
„Well, it's just Fish. But on a stick. Stickfish" He clarifies.
„It's good stickfish." He adds due to my raised eyebrows.

I open my mouth to express my doubt when someone from behind suddenly shoves me aside. A man shouts after the running person, claiming him to be a thief.
Without hesitation, Lian chases after the blond. And I run after Lian, knowing I'm lost in this crowd of people without him.
Unsurprisingly I can't keep up with their speed, so it doesn't take a long time for me to fall behind.
Lian on the contrary almost caught up to the burglar.
Out of reach, I watch in horror as a driving something crashes right into Lian and even further up to the Stalls.
Barely a moment later I kneel beside his unconscious body. Panick tightens my chest. What do I do??
In the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of blond locks next to me.
„I really didn't mean for this to happen," he says with a shaking voice. I realize he is the supposed thief. Anger rises within me as he continues to speak „ I- I'm a doctor. I'll heal him. Just-. Please we can't stay here?" I look into his desperate eyes. With the realization that I don't know what else to do, I decided to follow his plead. „Alright I'll follow u"

Quickly he picks up Lian's body and we disappear into a side alley.

As Jaro, that's how the enigmatic pocket thief turned doctor introduced himself, leads us to safety, my worry for Lian intensifies. He's in a fragile state and I can't help but fear for his well-being.

We manage to quickly escape the chaos of the bustling market and we find solace in a hidden alleyway where we catch our breath and take a moment to assess our situation. With a mixture of relief and anticipation, I turn to him, silently conveying my gratitude for his help.

Jaro, his blonde hair tousled from the chaos, suggests that we seek refuge in his place. Eager for a moment of respite and a chance to tend to Lian's injuries more comfortably, I readily agree. Together, we make our way through the winding streets, until we arrive at his messy abode.

As we step inside, the sight of the cluttered and weathered space reaches me. It's a stark contrast to the enchanting beauty of the fairy world. The walls bear faded posters and maps. The room is filled with mismatched furniture, stacked books, and various trinkets, remnants of Jaro's life as a pocket thief.

Before I can think more about the humble state of his living quarters. We carry Lian to the worn-out couch carefully draping a threadbare blanket over him. Despite the run-down appearance of the apartment, there is an undeniable sense of safety.

Jaro swiftly attends to Lian's injuries, utilizing his medical expertise to provide immediate relief. Though the Blonde doesn't reveal the extent of his abilities to me, I witness a glimmer of hope as Jaro's gentle touch and precise care alleviate some of Lian's pain. A sense of gratitude washes over me as I see the doctor's dedication to healing, both in his actions and the concern in his eyes.

Though I sense a hidden depth and a troubled past that he guards closely.

Curiosity gnaws at me as I wonder about Jaro's story and what led him to his current path. His skills as a doctor are evident, so I can't help but wonder how someone with such potential ended up on the wrong side of the law.

•••
We finally finished chap. 3! Thanks for reading up until here!
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