The Dark Hour

--------Ridge--------

We made it to a town by two. Lalna stuck close to me as we all followed Astrid and Vincent through the streets.

"We should get some winter clothes first. Ryan why don't you take Skyla and get medical stuff that you will need. Vincent go with Lalna and Ridge to get food and drink. I'll go and get clothes and coats."

"Ok, where are we going to meet up?" Skyla asked.

"Let's meet at the town square. Ryan and Vincent knows where it's at and if you get separated it's a big fountain." We all nodded then split up. I looked at Vincent.

"Where can we get food around here?" I asked curiously.

"There's a bakery and other places in town. Come on." Vincent said walking away. I grabbed Lalna's hand and walked as fast as I could after him. My leg was starting to hurt but I really didn't want to get lost here. "Hey! Over here!" Vincent yelled. We quickly found him by a bakery. I could smell things baking and my mouth started watering a little.

"How can I help you?" A guy asked cheerfully. "Everything is 50% off since the festival."

"Festival?" Lalna asked curiously. "What festival?"

"The winter festival of course it happens every year! Sometimes the Princess shows up to make an offering to the winter goddess to bring us snow."

"Oh, sorry we're new here," I said softly.

"It's fine I knew I haven't seen you around here before but what can I get you?"

"We need a few loafs of bread if you don't mind." The guy nodded and went in the back. I looked at Vincent.

"Do you have money? Cause I don't."

"Yes I do."

"That's good," I sighed. My breath came out in a little white cloud and I blinked. It was getting colder. I looked at Lalna and he was shivering. I quickly slipped my jacket off and wrapped it around him. He jumped then looked up at me.

"Um R-Ridge?" He said softly.

"You need it more than me," I smiled softly. "You can give it back after we get coats." He nodded and slipped it on.

"Here you go." The guy said handing Vincent a bag. "That would be 35 silver." Vincent nodded and handed him some.

"Thank you," I smiled.

"No problem come back and have fun at the festival."

"Ok, have a good day," I called out as we walked away. We were following Vincent to another store when I tripped over something and landed on my side. I winced and I heard something rip.

"Ridge!" Vincent shouted running over to me. He helped me up and Lalna gasped. I looked at my side as a large stain started growing on my shirt. Vincent ripped his sleeve off and tied it around my side.

"This is the best I can do right now. We can get you to the square and you two can wait there till Skyla and Ryan show up." I nodded and carefully held my side with my left hand.

"Ok, where's the square?" I asked.

"We're not far from it. Come on." He said placing more pressure on my side. I carefully followed him all the way to the square and he had me sit on a bench.

"Will you guys be okay here by yourself or would you like me to stay?"

"I think we'll be ok," I smiled softly. "I can defend myself with my magic and there plenty of water in the fountain. Besides we need food for this trip." Vincent nodded and walked off. Lalna sat down besides me on my good side and leaned against my shoulder. I pulled up the hood on his hoodie and my jacket and he smiled.