Goldspell: Rare Earth Book One

Goldspell: Rare Earth Book One- Chapter 5

Chapter 5- Rufius... and a Gem One Won

"I love the training and combat practice, but I'm definitely glad we have a week off," Opren said to Barbosa and Emerald as they walked through the market strip. 

The strip was a long street near the center of the city slightly to the west on the second level of the mountain. It was lined with carts of several shapes and sizes, selling all types of foods and other goods, including some jokes and pranks at two of the stands they had passed so far. Barbosa used his ability to read some of Opren's most prominent feelings to his advantage to get some meat and cheese with Opren's money since Emerald was with them. When Emerald figured out that was how he was allowed to get the fine meat she laughed, joking to Opren that he was afraid to let her know his "secret thoughts" about her. 

Opren had been sore from training for the past few days, but the two days break so far had healed him pretty well so he was able to peacefully enjoy the time with his growing closer creature friend and ever-increasingly likable lady friend. Barbosa's jokes about this started to become nullified by the reality of the two friends becoming much closer, even though he knew nothing about the kiss they had shared almost two weeks ago. 

"So is it you're glad to have time off to spend time with us, or that you're tired of having your arse beaten by a girl?" Emerald giggled, poking his arm. Barbosa commented that he assumed it was the latter, also laughing. Opren smacked him on top of the head, now at ease and comfortable around the large granwolf as any large dog or other human, after having spent over a month with the intelligent beast. Barbosa just gave Opren a look of warning while he continued to laugh for a moment. 

"I recall winning once, as well as usually having a draw and being stopped by Athena," Opren replied. Emerald giggled again. 

"Once! Whereas I have beaten you thrice and, if it were a real fight with death involved, I would have won five times, Sir Miss-a-lot," she countered. 

"It isn't my fault you have too pretty of a face to want to damage with a possibly incurable cut from a magical vacuum," Opren said, trying to fight back. Emerald's expression changed from giggly laughter to mock disbelief. 

"I'm quite sure you missed me intentionally. That's a wonderful excuse that I'll definitely believe. You know I can heal those cuts so you are foolish to think you can get away with that. At least put intelligence into your competitions. Rela, you boys are so quick to try to be the best, even by using lies and misplaced reasoning. I win again. This must be terrible for you." She giggled again. After letting the thought set in for a few seconds, she hugged him, saying, "It'll be okay. I'll teach you to fight some more and buy you a treat to make up for it. You do know I'm just joking, right?" 

"Yeah. But that makes me sound more like a pet; you'll 'teach me more and buy me a treat to make up for it.' So much nicer," Opren replied. 

"Yes, but you still like me as both a training companion and friendly companion so I win again," Emerald continued to laugh. 

"Now who's competitive?" Opren smirked. 

"That's one reason you like me, isn't it?" Emerald smiled, likely knowing she just threw out any further counters from Opren- possibly even giving Barbosa ammunition for a joke or several if he wanted to butt into the play argument. 

Friend or much friendlier companion, Opren? Barbosa had decided to add. He chuckled as Opren opened and closed his mouth quickly. Opren turned back to Emerald. 

"That is never a fair response for any lady to use. But it is true so fine, you win. Let's go get that 'treat' now because I am a little hungry. What'd you have in mind?" Opren asked, knowing it was really pointless to continue this game any longer. They turned a rounded corner of the strip to head for some markets with desserts and candies.