Worth Is Measured In Love

Chapter 4

Jellal was more than just a natural chemist. He was also a gifted storyteller. He would occasionally tell Juvia stories that he had heard from the days they traveled with their parents. But now that the poor girl had no means of seeing the world and that the disfigured boy would have to face the cruel reality of  prejudice, he had to tell them stories almost every day. Stories that would Juvia something she could see in her mind and could give Gray a moment of relief from mockery.

And when Jellal told stories, he didn't just tell the tale, he acted it out for them. He played the narrator and the characters and the music. It was almost like a stage production. In fact, one day he was telling one of his stories to the children a gentleman passing by took note and became fascinated. He was greatly entertained by the young man's emotion and creativity, convinced it was an actual show. So convinced that he actually three a few coins at the man's feet. That's when Jellal got the idea to take a second job as entertainer.

He built a stage into the carriage, crafted puppets, and taught himself magician tricks. It wasn't long before he would be impressing crowds with his remarkable stage performances, wowing them with his talents, and earning just enough money to keep the three of them fed and warm. However he would earn a very generous amount of money whenever he performed at an annual fair and he'd save that extra money for something very special in the future. Like new clothes for them or a house or maybe even a trip to America. He didn't know yet but whatever it was, he be sure that it would be something for all of them to enjoy.

"What kind of fair is this one Jellal?" Juvia asked him as he was setting up the stage in the town square.

"It's called The Fest of the Heart." He answered.

"What's that?" Gray asked. "Do they sell chicken hearts to eat or something?"

"No. It's a romantic fair. Couples get together for dancing, singing, and watching love stories performed through plays and shows. Then the couples loudly proclaim who they love the most."

"Does this mean we're going to see a lot of kissing?" Gray asked.

"I'm afraid so."

"Gross." Gray said disgusted. "I think I'll just stay inside for today."

"Don't worry Gray there's plenty for non-couples to do. Tell you what." Jellal took a few spare coins out of his pocket and handed it to Gray. "Why don't you take Juvia over to the bakery across the street and the two of you buy yourselves a special treat."

"Alright."

"Remember to stay together, Juvia don't wander off, and Gray don't leave her alone."

"We know." The two children said.

The bakery was warm and smelled deliciously sweet with the baker lady going back and forth between mixing dough and topping some buns with powdered sugar. Gray could see many displays of tasty cakes, pies, cookies, rolls, and other baked goods.

"What do you think we should get?" Gray asked Juvia.

She inhaled a delightful aroma of blackberries and vanilla which made her swoon.

"I think we should have whatever is giving off that wonderful smell." She answered.

The smell was coming from a tray of small blackberry tarts that the baker lady had just taken out from the oven and was now topping them with vanilla cream. Gray bought two with the money Jellal gave them and they went outside to eat them. Gray chose to eat in the shadows so no one could see his face when he took off his scarf.

"Am I getting anything on my face?" Juvia asked after eating two bites of her tart.

Gray chuckled, her lips were painted purple from the blackberry filling.