The Dragon's Chase

Chapter Four

"What do you mean by that, Thassio?" Sonya asked.

"Sonya, you just said that I'd be here for some extra reading lessons since there are still some things I don't know yet," Thassio told her.

"And you are here for that," Sonya told Thassio. "You're not very good at reading the language, so Tullan will help you learn how to do it better, plus he will be teaching Ava how to."

"Why do you want us to do stuff together?" Ava asked curiously.

"It would be beneficial if you two were friends," Sonya informed them. "Just friends, that's all you have to be."

Ava tilted her head in confusion. "Why?"

"I have my own reasons," Sonya stated. "Now, Tullan, can you start teaching them? Cecelia, come with me. There's something I have to talk to you about."

"Oh, um, yes, Sonya!" Cecelia replied, standing up straight and starting to follow Sonya out of the bookshop.

Tullan smiled warmly at the two of them. "I hope I'm not a bad teacher. I want to be able to help," he said.

Ava looked at Tullan and smiled softly. This guy was definitely older than her, but he seemed like such a little brotherly type person, she could not help but to see him as such. He was kind of cute, in a childlike, young way.

"I'm sure you'll do great," Ava told him with a small smile. This guy looked really young, no older than her age. "Out of curiosity, how old are you?"

"I'm eighty-six," Tullan told her kindly.

"You look really young," Ava replied.

"I know," Tullan replied with a light chuckle. "I'm a bit of a late bloomer, I'm afraid. I kind of slowed down aging when I turned sixteen. I'm sorry, does it bother you?"

He seemed genuinely concerned that his appearing seventeen would bother Ava. Ava let out an 'aren't you cute' smile. "Don't worry. I don't really care about that kind of thing. As long as you're nice, that's good enough for me."

Tullan gave an adorable, bright smile. "Thank you, I'll try to be a good teacher."

Thassio nodded with a sigh. "Can we get started?"

"Why are you so impatient, Thas? Got a hot date?" Ava teased.

"I told you not to call me that," Thassio grumbled, crossing his arms.

"What is your problem with me?" Ava demanded, turning to Thassio.

"Nothing," Thassio said with a sigh. "I don't have a problem."

"Then why do you keep acting like this?" Ava questioned, crossing her arms as well.

"I-um, uh. . ." Thassio replied, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. "Nothing, I'm sorry."

"Is everything okay?" Tullan asked, concern filling his face. "I'm sorry, Ava. Thassio isn't much for letting people steal his thunder, I'm afraid. He's been the center of attention for eighteen years and you're taking that away. I'm sorry."

"Tullan!" Thassio snapped. "Come on!"

Tullan's cheeks grew red and he looked down at the floor. "I'm sorry, Thassio. . . I didn't mean to upset you."

"Hey, he's a good kid," Ava told Thassio. "Come on, Thas. Don't get mad at him for being honest and trying to help."

Thassio seemed to shrink a little, which wasn't much, given how tall he was. He nodded. "Okay, sorry. I didn't mean to upset anyone."

"It's okay," Tullan told Thassio. "I'm sorry for upsetting you."

"It's alright," Thassio replied. "Let's get started."