Beyond

Errands

As the sun rises, casting a golden glow across the misty forest, Connor and Piper set out for town, the early morning air still crisp with the remnants of the night's chill. The path they take winds through the woods, the trees slowly giving way to the picturesque view of the town ahead. Nestled in a valley, the town radiates an old-world charm, with its stone buildings and cobbled streets. Flower boxes overflow with vibrant blooms on nearly every windowsill, and the warm scent of fresh bread and coffee fills the air, beckoning people from their homes.

Connor walks beside Piper, his demeanour relaxed but focused, occasionally glancing over at her with a soft smile. Piper, on the other hand, is enchanted by the town, her gaze darting from one quaint building to another, drinking in the sights of a world she still feels she's only just begun to discover. She hadn't expected this place to feel so familiar, so grounded, despite the otherworldly circumstances that brought her here.

"I have to run some errands," Connor says, breaking the peaceful silence. "But Alistair, Finley, Eamon, and Elara are around. They'll show you the town." Piper nods, casting him a slightly nervous smile. She hadn't spent much time alone with the others, but she was curious to get to know them better. "Alright. I'll catch up with you later?" Connor's eyes soften. "Of course." He reaches out, giving her hand a brief squeeze before turning toward a side street, heading to take care of his duties. "You'll like the town. They'll take good care of you."

As soon as Connor vanishes into the bustling crowd, Piper feels a hand gently tap her shoulder. She turns to find Alistair, his weathered face breaking into a warm smile. Beside him are Finley, Eamon, and Elara, all waiting with easy grins.

"Well, there she is," Finley says, giving her a playful nudge. "Ready for a proper tour?" Piper laughs, feeling her nerves settle a bit. "Lead the way." The group strolls through the winding streets, pointing out the old stone bridge that arches over the river, the small market square where vendors are already setting up their stalls, and the little café tucked away on a corner that serves the best pastries. The town is small, but it brims with life. As they walk, Piper finds herself drifting toward Eamon, who seems a bit quieter than the others. His presence is calming, and when they pass a cozy, sunlit bookshop, her heart skips a beat.

"Oh, can we go in?" Piper asks, her excitement getting the better of her as she spots the worn sign above the door. The Fox and Quill. The sight of it alone stirs something inside her—an instant comfort. Eamon chuckles softly, his voice low and steady. "You like books?"

"I love them more than anything," Piper admits, her eyes lighting up as she glances at him. "Stories, languages... it's what I've always been passionate about."

"Then let's go in," Eamon says with a smile, holding the door open for her.

As Piper and Eamon step into the quiet bookshop, the bell above the door gives a soft jingle, announcing their entrance. The familiar, comforting scent of old paper and leather-bound books fills the air. Dust motes drift lazily in the streams of sunlight that filter through the large, mullioned windows, casting a golden glow across the shelves. The place is a maze of towering bookshelves, each one crammed with a mixture of old and new volumes, the bindings of which have weathered time with a sense of quiet dignity.

Piper can't help the smile that spreads across her face as she looks around. "Oh, I love places like this." Eamon follows her, hands in his pockets, his expression curious but not as familiar with the setting as she is. "You spend a lot of time in bookshops?"

"More than I care to admit," Piper says, wandering down an aisle lined with shelves groaning under the weight of literature. "There's just something about getting lost in a world someone else created, you know? It's like... finding pieces of yourself in stories that aren't your own." Eamon cocks his head slightly, intrigued. "I don't think I've ever thought of it that way." Piper grins, stopping in front of a shelf filled with old, tattered books. "What do you read then?"