Forever Yours

One

Where is she? Ryn slowly scanned the large crowd in front of her. A couple brushed against her shoulder as they squeezed past, causing her to retract to make space. Ryn waited until they made it through before bringing up her hands to brush her shoulder off, slightly brushing her shoulder-length dark hair in the process.

“Hey, pretty lady,” a voice called out. She ignored the voice, not recognizing it and continued scanning the crowd. She took in a breath and mentally prepared herself to make her way through the hoard of drunk people.

“I’m talking to you, bitch.” Suddenly there was a hand gripping her shoulder tightly. Ryn barely winced an eye in pain before recomposing herself. She turned around to stare at the owner of the hand. It was a drunk, burly man. His long beard acting as a bib when he took a gulp of the drink in hand. The man’s friends were behind him, egging him on while laughing.

Ryn pushed the man’s hand off her shoulder, glaring at him with her dark eyes. She subtly reached into her cloak, gripping one of the knives she had hidden against her leg.

The burly man laughed out loud at her expression. “Take a look at this, fellas! This bitch thinks she’s scary! Hahaha!” The man spit as he spoke, causing Ryn to wrinkle her nose in disgust.

I’m going to cut this fucker’s beard off and feed it to him. Her grip on the hidden blade tightened when the man suddenly disappeared from her sight. She blinked in surprise, noticing the man was now at her feet, unconscious. His friends looked just as shocked, not knowing what happened either. A new voice spoke close behind Ryn, causing her to jump away. How had she not noticed this new person’s presence?

“I think your old friend here has had too much to drink, fellas.” A man’s voice. “It’d be best if you guys could ensure he makes it home safely.” The man’s words were laced with a threatening tone, hinting at bad things if the gaggle of drunks didn’t comply.

None of the drunks said a word. Instead they leaned down and picked their burly friend up off the ground, half dragging him to the exit.

“I’m glad you’re alright,” said the newcomer. Ryn looked up at the man. He had a smile hinting at his full lips, the rest of his face hidden under his hood. She quickly studied the man from head to toe. He was about a head taller than she was. His black cloak accentuated his broad shoulders. The ends of his dark hair peeked out messily from under his dark hood. There was an air of dominance around him.

“Thank you,” Ryn replied. “I could have handled it, though.”

The man let out a small laugh. “I know.” He glanced toward the blade she still gripped beneath her cloak. “You seem…” he paused, seeming to think of the proper word, “capable.” He gave a small wave before turning to leave.

Ryn gave a small nod in reply. She kept her hands on her blade and turned to walk into the crowd, resuming her search.

All of a sudden, she was tackled from the side. “You’re heeere!” squealed a voice. Arms wrapped tightly around her waist.

Ryn sighed, gently pulling her attacker off. “Of course I am. Now come on. I’m taking you home.”

The attacker pouted, looking up at Ryn with her big blue eyes. “Can I finish my drink first?”

Ryn folded her arms before speaking, “Quickly, Elle.”

Elle let out an excited giggle, her light hair bouncing slightly as she drank the last half of her beer. Ryn just knew she was going to be a headache tonight.

* * *

“I’m not tired!” Elle exclaimed. “I want to go with you!” She gripped the end of Ryn’s cloak, fat tears building in her eyes.