Farryn

Chapter 3- Part 5

Luli did get her pie. On the last day of the week, Farryn got up early. She brushed through her hair, and then went down to the kitchens to get Luli. They didn't wait to get some breakfast; instead, they joined one of the carts heading down to town for the weekly shopping. The delivery man driving it was so unlike the one who'd brought them up to the estate; he was friendly and talkative, and made Farryn laugh the whole drive down. They arrived in the market before 12.

Farryn bought Luli an especially big slice of pie. It wasn't lemon, but to Farryn's surprise she didn't complain. She just walked along placidly, eating it as chunks of apple dribbled to the ground.

Farryn bought herself a new dress in one of the small boutiques. It was grey, like the one she'd stolen from Rin's closet... but the sleeves were embroidered with a pattern of climbing vines and interlocking flowers. She felt.. Pretty. Different.

She bought herself a pair of new underthings too, and tucked them in the small basket Iris had given her "But something for the children," she'd insisted, and Farryn looked at the soft taffy she'd gotten them.

She listened to the small bag of money jingle as they walked. Farryn just loved having money. Serval had made her do all the shopping; with her face covered, of course, and forbidden from speaking to anyone- but on those sunny Saturdays there was little she looked forward to more than the walk to the market. Fresh air, people. The sound of Serval coming down the hall with the money in her hand was like music to her ears.

"Where are we going?" Luli asked. She had her entire hand in her mouth, and she took it out when she caught Farryn staring. 

"Are you trying to crack the candy in half? Don't. You'll break a tooth."

"I wasn't," Luli whined, even though she was. 

Farryn sighed. "We're going to see the Constable."

Luli halted to a stop. "I don't want to," she whimpered. 

"What? Why? What's wrong?" Farryn tried to prod her forward, but she wouldn't move. "Come on, Luli. You'll be fine."

Luli's lower lip began to wobble, and Farryn quickly backtracked. "What's wrong? There's no need to be scared."

Luli was already inconsolable, though. "Don't make me goooo," she cried, tears running down her face. "I don't want to!" she wailed. People around turned to look at them, and Farryn crouched down to her level. Watching the scene, you'd think Farryn had demanded that Luli let her pull her nails out. Her wails carried across the square, even as Farryn tried her hardest to calm her down.

"Please, Luli," she pleaded. "Calm down. Take a deep breath."

"I don't want to see the Constable!" Luli sobbed. "He's going to make us go back."

"I promise you, Luli. The Constable won't make you go anywhere," Farryn said. She didn't know why Luli was so afraid, but she knew it wouldn't be fair to force her. But what else could she do? She couldn't just leave her outside as she went in.

She stood up and pulled a clean handkerchief from her basket. "Here, Luli. Wipe your face, okay?" Luli took the handkerchief and sniffed, rubbing it against her face. Farryn sighed and looked out into the crowd, and just so happened to spot a familiar face.

"Claud!" She called. He was walking towards her, and when he noticed her, he seemed to hesitate. She waved him over, and he nodded, going through the crowd to join them.

"Are you seeing the Constable today?" He asked. Farryn nodded. He nodded too, and then looked down at Luli, who had finally quieted down. "Hey Luli." She looked up at him, and scowled. Farryn held in a laugh. She's a smart girl.